While we often think we are decorating our homes in a Victorian style, the truth is that we might not even recognize some Victorian decorations as "Christmasy." Other traditions would seem somewhat familiar, but with definite differences. The tree, for example, was certainly a key element in the Christmas decor, but it usually wasn't set up until Christmas Eve, after the younger children had gone to bed. This was partly because it was customary to hang smaller presents directly on the tree - so of course the little ones couldn't be allowed to see it until morning. Greenery and plants played a vital role in holiday decor, but decorations might also include grasses, dried flowers, coral, moss and seashells. Glitter and artificial snow didn't exist yet, so one solution (generally recommended against) was to grind up old glass bottles to create glittery "snow" to glue onto branches. (A safer method was to dip branches in water and then sprinkle them with Epsom salts or roll them in flour.)

The Christmas Tree (Illustrated London Almanack, 1853)

Flowers for Christmas Decorations, by Thomas Trussler (Floral World, 1873)

Home Decoration for Christmas (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1875)

"The old custom was to decorate walls and windows with sprigs of evergreens... We will decorate in a more satisfactory way, if you please." The author goes on to demonstrate, with lovely illustrations, how to incorporate greenery into elaborate wreaths and decorations.

Our Novel Christmas Tree (Part I), by Ruth Lamb (Girl's Own Paper, 1880)

How the Christmas tree was decorated. (Part II of this article concerns a holiday performance and can be found in the Entertainments section.)

Hints for Christmas Decorations (Girl's Own Paper, 1881)

Amongst other interesting suggestions, this article gives an alternative for those who would like to decorate with holly but can't find or afford it: use dried peas, dyed red!

How to Entertain at Christmas, by Ardern Holt (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1881)

"The house must be cheerful, the ruling power animated. It is worth while to bestow some little trouble on the decoration of the rooms. Have plenty of shining holly, and laurel too, and don't omit the mistletoe..."

Our Christmas Decorations (Girl's Own Paper, 1884)

If you're thinking of decking the halls in true Victorian style, this article will get you started. Only... please don't use ground-up glass bottles for glitter! (An alternative was Epsom salts!)

Our Christmas Decorations (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1885)

Some Victorian decorating tips, including the use of mottoes and sayings, and how to frost a tree with Epsom salts.

Uncle Gilbert's Return, or, Christmas Decoration of the Home (Girl's Own Paper, 1885)

A narrated look at setting up the household for Christmas before relatives arrive. (More narration than decoration!)

How to Set Out a Christmas-Tree (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1886)

"A Christmas tree may be made into a most effective and pleasure-giving object..." Decorating the table on which the tree might stand can be every bit as involved as decorating the tree itself, which can be dredged with flour to make it appear snow-covered.

Christmas Table Decorations, by Fred Miller (Girl's Own Paper, 1897)

Lights, greenery, copper and brass all come together to create a shimmering, elegant holiday table.

Christmas Decorations, by Lydia Chatterton (Sunday Strand, 1902)

Tips on fashioning floral Christmas decorations for the church, including decorations for pillars, altars, and more.