Here's How to Turn Your Christmas Tree Into a New Year Tree
Here's How to Turn Your Christmas Tree Into a New Year Tree
These days, Christmas trees are no longer reserved just for the month of December—we've seen Halloween trees, Easter trees, and even Fourth of July trees pop up in homes across America. But when it comes to New Year's trees, well, that's nothing new. In fact, there's a rich history behind the longstanding tradition.
Just like many Americans celebrate Christmas with a fresh tree in their homes, Russians celebrate the arrival of the new year with "New Year trees," according to Wired. "Western Christmas is almost the same as New Year's in Russia," Russian photographer Roman Makhmutov told the publication. While the Christmas tree custom originated in Germany in the 1500s, the idea of a decorated spruce made its way to Russia via Peter the Great in the 1600s, and became increasingly popular throughout the 1800s. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the trees were banned, though they made a return in 1935—given that they were used only to celebrate the secular New Year's holiday.
While Russian New Year trees are traditionally decorated similarly to Christmas trees (and the custom isn't the same as just leaving your tree up until New Year's Day), the tradition got us thinking it could be fun to switch up the decor on our Christmas trees to celebrate the New Year. Once Christmas is over, you can easily transform your tree for New Year's Eve with the addition of some glitzy and glam accessories (think metallics, party hats, and clocks). Here are some festive ideas to get you started.
Balloon Tree
This tree is all about the countdown! You'll find celebratory accessories like glasses and party hats inscribed with the upcoming year, and balloons stamped with times (it's a part of a fun game) on this glitzy statement tree.
Get the tutorial at Overstuffed.
Tiara Tree
Strip your tree down to the needles and lights, and then adorn it with dollar store tiaras and noise makers. It doesn't get easier than that!
Get the tutorial at Domestic Fashionista.
Party Hat Tree
Teeny timepieces, a party hat tree topper, and shimmering gold and silver ribbon will let your guests know where the party's at.
Get the tutorial on Home Is Where the Boat Is.
Tinsel Tree
This tinsel tree is the perfect way to dress up your living room for a fancy fete. Here blogger Jennifer Perkins outfitted her tree with champagne flutes, party hats, noise makers, and more festive trinkets.
Get the tutorial on Treetopia.
Antique Clock Tree
This blogger removed some of the larger bulbs from her tree and replaced those empty areas with antique and wooden clocks.
Get the tutorial at The Perfect Gathering.
Oh! New Year's Tree Decorating Kit
$30
The Oh! New Year's Tree decorating kit makes it easy to gussy your tree up for December 31. It includes streamers, party hats, a gold tree topper, wish lists, and a cute kid-friendly book.
This tradition goes all the way back to the 1600s.