The Story Behind Holiday Twinkle Lights & Other Winter Décor Traditions

We have officially arrived—holiday season is here. Winter celebrations are cozy, joyful, and often centered around incredible food and time with loved ones. Sometimes holiday gatherings are magical and unforgettable; other years feel a little heavier. The expectation to feel the joy can make the season emotional for many.

Either way, it’s a lot—especially if you're hosting or raising kids. And one of the most time-consuming, heart-filling parts of the season is the decorating. Some of us go light and simple, others go full-glam with wreaths, lights, trees, and garlands. No matter the style, holiday décor is a language—one that brings color, meaning, and warmth to our homes during darker months.

So why do we decorate the way we do?
Where did these traditions come from?

Let’s take a look at the stories behind some of the most iconic holiday symbols.

🌿 Evergreens & Wreaths

Evergreens appear everywhere during winter—garlands, wreaths, trees, and laurel décor.

Wreaths, also known as welcome rings, were used in Ancient Rome as symbols of victory, especially in military achievements and early Olympic competitions.

Long before Rome, Druids and Vikings decorated with evergreens to symbolize life, resilience, and protection during the darkest, coldest time of year.

✨ Holiday Lights

Holiday lights first appeared in 1600s Germany—originally as candles on Christmas trees.
Yes, as dangerous as it sounds!

In 1882, Edward Johnson invented electric string lights—far safer but extremely expensive. By the early 1900s, lights became mass-produced and affordable, quickly turning into the glowing hallmark of winter decorating we know today.

🕎 The Menorah

The menorah holds eight candles, representing the eight days of Hanukkah.

In 165 B.C., the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem from the Syrian Greeks. The eternal flame in the menorah had been extinguished, and only enough oil remained to burn for one night. Miraculously, the flame stayed lit for eight days—long enough for new oil to be secured. This miracle is the foundation of the modern Hanukkah celebration.

🧦 Holiday Stockings

The tradition of hanging stockings dates back to the 4th century.
Legend says St. Nicholas of Myra secretly placed gold coins into the stockings of three sisters who had hung them near the fire to dry. They woke to find their lives changed—and part of the legend of Santa Claus was born.

🎃 Pumpkins & Gourds

These colorful beauties are the final harvest before frost arrives. With hardy skins and a variety of shapes and colors, pumpkins and gourds became natural décor for fall and early winter. Once the season winds down, they can be cooked, canned, or baked into warm holiday dishes.

🫡 Nutcrackers

The first nutcracker soldier toy was made in 1872 by German carpenter Wilhelm Füchtner. But it wasn’t until Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet premiered in 1892 that the figure became a beloved holiday icon around the world.

And honestly—that ballet is pure magic.

Why It All Matters

However you celebrate during the winter months, our homes become reflections of what feels warm, beautiful, and comforting to us.
Lights, greens, candles, sparkles—these pieces transform our spaces into havens of peace, joy, and gathering.

So go ahead—pull out the bins, unwrap the ornaments, relight the twinkle.
It’s time to decorate.

Happy Holidays ✨