Themed versus Traditional Christmas Tree: An Iconic Christmas Quandary
Do you prefer a themed decorated or a traditionally curated Christmas tree? The themed trees are absolutely stunning, but on the other hand they don’t quite have the heart and soul of a traditionally curated Christmas tree. Neither option is right or wrong, but rather just simply different. Let’s dive deep into the difference between a trend forward themed tree versus a beloved traditional Christmas tree.
There are stark differences between themed and traditional trees, but there are shared threads as well. The key is to remember it’s about the season and what it all symbolizes. The tree should remind you about the magic, merriment and meaning behind the Christmas season.
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Welcome to Styled 2 Ways – Themed Christmas Tree Edition
Styled 2 Ways is a collaboration between my blog, Master”pieces” of my Life, & the blog From the Bay to the Beach, penned by Susan. Two different points of view for a particular styling, project or concept are shared. A guest host sometimes includes another styling for triple the fun. Thank you for joining us; we’re happy to have you here with us.
Although Susan and I both like many of the same things, we both have unique styles of our own, and we want to share how the same idea can be expressed in different ways. Both ways are equally as fantastic, and appreciating other unique takes on the same idea expands our own personal style.
When you are done here, please hop over and visit Susan. If you are here visiting from Susan’s place, welcome, I am so happy you are here. Leave me a comment down below; I would love to get to know you. Come on in, have a seat and enjoy!
Team Themed or Team Traditional?
The choice between a themed or a traditional Christmas tree really comes down to personal preference. Our Masterpiece tree is somewhere in the middle with more of a hybrid model if you will. I’ll explain further as we get into the details of Christmas tree decor aesthetics.
What’s a Themed Christmas Tree?
A themed Christmas tree is decorated based on a color or concept, achieving a modern, cohesive and well groomed aesthetic. The thought and coordination to a themed tree gives it a modern elegance with intentional design. Themed trees are stunning and can take your breath away, but don’t have any sentimental value or personal attachment. Subsequently a themed tree can feel cold and forced.
Themed Christmas trees having matching ornaments and accents, whether by color, design or motif. It creates a beautiful synergy and provides a polished and well appointed tree. Themed trees can coordinate with your interior design aesthetic or follow a current trend.
What’s a Traditional Christmas Tree?
A traditional Christmas tree is decorated with personalized and curated accents based on memories and sentimental value. Consequently, traditional trees can feel mismatched and chaotic, but at the same time they evoke feelings of nostalgia, coziness and warmth. There’s a personal attachment to a traditional tree based on memories and feelings.
Traditional Christmas trees have an eclectic mix of ornaments based on heirloom accents, travel souvenirs and handmade pieces. Traditional trees also include classic elements like tinsel and | or icicles, causing a varied mix of sentiments and family history.
Hybrid Option
Our personal Masterpiece Christmas tree lies somewhere in the middle. As a newlywed, many moons ago, I started a themed look tree without realizing it. As a newly married couple we didn’t have a family of our own yet, and we were just starting our story. No sentimental ornaments or handmade pieces from littles, so I got busy curating our first and forever Christmas tree look. I focused on gold and ivory decor and have stuck to that pretty strongly. Some green (my favorite color) and silvers have snuck in here and there but the look has remained cohesive.
I still have sentimental value ornaments like babies first Christmas and furry family member ornaments, but I curated them with the right look. I buy ornaments on vacation, but once again they have to have the right color palette and look to fit the tree aesthetic. So here’s where I might upset some folks. I don’t have any of my kiddos handmade pieces on the tree, which tend to be bright and somewhat primitive.
Do I still use all the handmade treasures from my littles? Absolutely. I sprinkle them through the house in appropriate ways and places. Just not on my traditionally themed tree. This is how I reconcile the two looks in my own home. You could also have two trees, keeping one with all the traditional vibes in the family room and a more elegant themed tree in the living room. The key is to do what works for your family and makes you all happy.
Christmas Tree Options
Besides the iconic Christmas tree quandary between themed and traditional looks, there are many other debates. For example, artificial versus real trees, which can depend on life style and location. Also some folks love colored lights and others only want white lights. The decision between a flocked tree and an evergreen tree is also a tough choice. Once again, there is no right or wrong, but rather what works for you and your family.
Through the years we have become very hardcore with our choices and decisions. Lol. We prefer a live tree, which we select as a family and it’s always in the silver tip variety with sparse branches and big gaps for ornaments to dangle and hang just so. Only white lights, always and forever. That’s our vibe , but we do have a flocked artificial tree in the family room which is decorated by theme each year. Once again we have a little of both worlds, but always white lights, inside and out.
More Christmas inspiration is scheduled for the season. If you don’t want to miss any new content, you might enjoy following along. Sign up below and receive all new posts directly into your in-box. We would love to welcome you to the Masterpiece community.
Closing Thoughts
What team tree are you? Or are you somewhere in the middle like us? Either way the notion is to embrace the holiday season with traditions and things which bring you joy. I am looking forward to the Christmas season, but I also enjoy Thanksgiving, scheduling content which straddles both late fall and early Christmas. Let me know if there’s anything in particular you would like do see here.
Please don’t forget to visit Susan. You can also find Susan in her other spaces; give her a follow.
Thanks for stopping by today, and I hope to see you again soon. It’s always lovely having you here. Au revoir!
Shop the Look
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- Box of Gold Finial Ornament, 6.5-inch Height, Set of 6, Glass
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The Christmas tree is a symbol of love, not money. There’s a kind of glory to them when they’re all lit up that exceeds anything all the money in the world could buy.”
Andy Rooney
I must admit – I love ALL trees, themed or not! Great article MaryJo. Love your tree!
Thanks so much Susan. I know, all Christmas trees are magical. Fun sharing today. XO- MJ
Beyond beautiful!! And I adore your tree!! ??
Our tree. Can’t wait for you to be home. XO- MJ
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Your blog is a beacon of light in the often murky waters of online content. Your thoughtful analysis and insightful commentary never fail to leave a lasting impression. Keep up the amazing work!
You already know this is a discussion near and dear to my heart, and thanks for tackling it! My main tree is filled with different ornament collections I’ve built over the years. I have a couple of other trees that are somewhat themed but it’s more that I add too those themes each year vs new themes each year.
Featuring this post when my link party opens!
Thanks so much Carol. It’s so hard to keep up with themes some times. We just have to keep having fun! Thanks for the visit & I’ll see you at the party. XO- MJ