The History of Christmas Decorations and Gifts
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The History of Christmas Decorations and Gifts
As Christmas approaches, homes across Britain begin to glow with candlelight and the familiar scent of greenery. Every ornament on the tree and every carefully wrapped gift tells a story of how people have celebrated this season through the ages. At Paul Lawson Antiques, where history is preserved in fine glassware, silver, jewellery, dolls, toys, pottery, china and antique boxes, these stories are reflected in every piece.
Early Festive Traditions
Long before Christmas became a Christian celebration, people across Europe marked the winter solstice with greenery and light. Bringing holly, ivy and fir indoors symbolised life surviving the darkest months of the year. The Romans festooned their homes with garlands during Saturnalia, a midwinter festival of feasting and merriment, while in early Britain evergreens were believed to ward off evil spirits. These ancient customs planted the roots of the decorative traditions that would later blossom at Christmas.
The Victorian Christmas
The Christmas we recognise today owes much to the Victorians. When Prince Albert introduced the Christmas tree from his native Germany, it captured the public imagination. The famous engraving of Queen Victoria and her family gathered around their decorated tree, published in The Illustrated London News in 1848, set the tone for households across the country.
Early trees were decorated with candles, fruit, sweets and handmade paper ornaments. Before long, glassmakers in Germany began producing delicate hand-blown baubles that shimmered in the candlelight. These ornaments quickly became prized possessions, their beauty and fragility a symbol of the season’s fleeting magic. Many of these glass decorations, similar to those you may find at Paul Lawson Antiques, remain sought after by collectors today.
Silver, Glass and the Art of Gifting
During the Victorian and Edwardian eras, silver and glass were considered ideal Christmas presents. A well-crafted silver jug, a cut-glass decanter or a velvet-lined jewellery box carried both refinement and sentiment. These were gifts meant to last, to be displayed proudly or used on special occasions.
At Paul Lawson Antiques, our range of Georgian and Victorian silverware and antique boxes captures this enduring sense of elegance. Each piece speaks of the artistry and attention to detail that once defined the best of British craftsmanship.
Pottery, China and the Art Deco Revolution
As the 20th century unfolded, the tradition of Christmas gifting evolved again. Pottery and fine china became the fashionable choice for modern homes. The Art Deco and Beacon periods brought bold geometric shapes, glossy finishes and rich colour palettes to the fore. These pieces reflected the optimism of a new age, celebrating both form and function.
Tea sets, vases and decorative figurines from this era were often exchanged as gifts, bringing sophistication to the festive table. Today, Art Deco and vintage pottery and china are among the most distinctive treasures in our collection at Paul Lawson Antiques, offering a glimpse into the glamour of early modern design.
Dolls, Toys and the Spirit of Christmas
By the late 19th century, Christmas had become increasingly centred around children. Dolls with porcelain faces, wooden soldiers, rocking horses and tin toys filled shop windows and wish lists alike. For many families, these gifts represented joy, imagination and hope.
Original dolls and toys from this period, now carefully preserved, hold a special place in our collection. Each carries the gentle marks of time and a story of festive mornings long past. These timeless objects remind us that Christmas has always been about delight and wonder, no matter the age.
Antique Boxes and the Beauty of Presentation
Before gift wrapping became common, boxes were a vital part of giving. Georgian and Victorian boxes were made with extraordinary care, often from fine woods such as mahogany, walnut or rosewood, and inlaid with brass, mother-of-pearl or silver. They were gifts in their own right and are now treasured as decorative and practical antiques.
At Paul Lawson Antiques, our collection includes jewellery boxes, writing boxes and trinket cases that continue this tradition of thoughtful craftsmanship. Each is as beautiful today as the day it was made.
A Celebration That Endures
Though customs have changed over time, the spirit of Christmas has not. It remains a season of generosity, reflection and connection. Whether it is a piece of Georgian silver, an Art Deco vase, a vintage doll or a fine glass ornament, each item carries with it the memory of Christmases long past.
At Paul Lawson Antiques, we believe the most meaningful gifts are those that tell a story. Every piece in our collection has a history, and when chosen with care, it becomes part of a new story that will continue for generations to come.