European Christmas Decor
This Christmas season, when choosing Christmas decor, I decided to go back to my roots. I have always been a history lover, and discovering family history is a bit of a passion of mine. I have created a large family tree, done research, discovered old photographs and stories…its been an amazing journey!
Now before you think this is an ad for “23 and Me” or “Ancestry.com”, I can assure you it is not…although I did get the DNA test from Ancestry, and the results gave me so much more insight into my personal heritage, I would recommend it to anyone!
My Great Grandfather is full german, so my mom is a 1/4 German, and I an 1/8th…according to information given by my mom’s side of the family… But it wasn’t until I had the ancestry DNA test done, that I realized that I must have German coming from all over, on all sides of my family, because I am actually a whole 1/3rd German myself.
I have around a 1/10th Scandinavian blood, mostly Norwegian, and I am 1/2 British/Northern European, which confirmed info I have been given, and research I have done that shows both English, Scottish, and Belgian ancestors. This year I decided to bring my heritage into the Christmas decor!
SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS DECOR
The winter wonderland dream of Sweden and Norway had me bringing in many elements of my Scandinavian roots. Sheep skin rugs, pillows, and vintage wooden ornaments that I hand painted to hang on the tree next to the glass ornaments my dad brought back from a trip to Sweden 20+ years ago.
Here are a few things to get you started decorating your house like a Norwegian winter wonderland! My favorite pieces are the delightful spruce pitcher, and of course the whimsical pillow with cross country skiing woodland animals!
SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS DECOR FAVORITES
BRITISH CHRISTMAS DECOR
The elements of England and Scotland are almost always in my room on a daily basis, from hunt scenes on the walls, to wellies in the corner. From my trips to the U.K. I brought back a few ornaments, that now hang on the tree and remind me of jolly old England.
Here is a beautiful collection of delicious Christmas decor to make all your British holiday dreams come true! My favorite pieces are the wool throw, basket Christmas tree stands, and the antler candle holder.
BRITISH CHRISTMAS DECOR FAVORITES
GERMAN CHRISTMAS DECOR
For the Germanic I have a really fun wooden, Bavarian themed advent calendar. I also hung a photography of my 4x Great Grandfather Ludwig on the tree, next to the photo of my great-great Uncle Frank, a boxer in the 1930’s, nicknamed the “Ballard Belgian” (and btw…he was good, 30 wins, 5 losses).
Here are my picks that will make any space into a classic, Bavarian home. My favorite pieces are the little pretzel ornament, the gingerbread house rug, and the pewter spruce tree with the owl, which is oh-so lovely!
GERMAN CHRISTMAS DECOR
My heritage is so important to me, and even more so as I get older. Incorporating that into my Christmas decor was only natural, and is something I will do for years to come, and hopefully instill the love of family heritage in my future children, especially around the holidays.
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