Welcome to Christmas in the 1940s!
In the 1940s, freshly cut Christmas trees were most often present in the family home. Families would often make an outing to a wooded area to select and cut down a tree for Christmas. Whether live or artificial, it typically was what we may think of as an “old fashioned” tree – wide at the bottom with spikey branches, like a Charlie Brown tree. Usually, there was ample space between the branches for hanging lights and ornaments. During wartime, however, the cost of a real tree increased, and artificial trees started becoming more prevalent.
With World War II ongoing in the early 1940s, combined with rationing, many families opted for a simpler Christmas, including their décor of homemade paper chain garland or popcorn strings, and cut-out paper spirals, stars, and snowflakes. For examples of paper spirals, see https://kidscraftroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Spiral-Christmas-Tree-Ornaments.pdf.
For snowflakes, see https://www.firstpalette.com/printable/snowflake.html.
For Christmas stars, see https://northpolechristmas.com/christmas-star-template.html.
Lights had replaced candles on Christmas trees and, if used, were multi-colored large bulbs. Bubble lights also became popular during that period. Mercury glass ornaments were also used during that time. Many were simple round and shiny, others were uniquely shaped and often indented, adding interest to the tree. An angel frequently topped the family Christmas tree, though some families opted for a finial-type tree topper. Tinsel may have been added to the Christmas trees, giving it extra sparkle.
With many homes having members serving in the military during World War II, people would often display an array of photos of their deployed family members. Families often made and mailed Christmas gifts of candy, cookies, and socks to those serving overseas, providing a little bit of “home” during their days of service. Today, that tradition continues, as we all remember those serving to protect our country.
In the 1940s, freshly cut Christmas trees were most often present in the family home. Families would often make an outing to a wooded area to select and cut down a tree for Christmas. Whether live or artificial, it typically was what we may think of as an “old fashioned” tree – wide at the bottom with spikey branches, like a Charlie Brown tree. Usually, there was ample space between the branches for hanging lights and ornaments. During wartime, however, the cost of a real tree increased, and artificial trees started becoming more prevalent.
With World War II ongoing in the early 1940s, combined with rationing, many families opted for a simpler Christmas, including their décor of homemade paper chain garland or popcorn strings, and cut-out paper spirals, stars, and snowflakes. For examples of paper spirals, see https://kidscraftroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Spiral-Christmas-Tree-Ornaments.pdf.
For snowflakes, see https://www.firstpalette.com/printable/snowflake.html.
For Christmas stars, see https://northpolechristmas.com/christmas-star-template.html.
Lights had replaced candles on Christmas trees and, if used, were multi-colored large bulbs. Bubble lights also became popular during that period. Mercury glass ornaments were also used during that time. Many were simple round and shiny, others were uniquely shaped and often indented, adding interest to the tree. An angel frequently topped the family Christmas tree, though some families opted for a finial-type tree topper. Tinsel may have been added to the Christmas trees, giving it extra sparkle.
With many homes having members serving in the military during World War II, people would often display an array of photos of their deployed family members. Families often made and mailed Christmas gifts of candy, cookies, and socks to those serving overseas, providing a little bit of “home” during their days of service. Today, that tradition continues, as we all remember those serving to protect our country.
