Christmas decorations used to be much more modest, but at the same time they had a special charm that today often disappears in the flood of lights and shiny decorations. Instead of plastic decorations, ordinary paper and the hands of the whole family were used. Stars, chains and small figurines were made, which were then proudly hung on the tree.
Christmas used to be different, calmer and much more about self-creation than shopping. And the paper decorations were among the most beautiful things that families made together. He was sitting at a table, and on the table lay a packet of thin paper, string and scissors. Decorations were created from simple things, which had a completely different value than today’s perfect decorations from stores. And maybe that’s why this custom is coming back, it’s cheap, beautifully nostalgic and most of all comforting.
On video fromDIY by Kreativni techniques with instructions for easy Christmas paper decorations, check out YouTube:
“What I like best about paper decorations is that they are not perfect. Each one is a little different and that is their charm. When you make them yourself, they acquire a completely different value than anything bought,” says decorator Eliška Procházková.
The return of a tradition that smells like home
It only takes a few minutes and ordinary paper turns into delicate flakes, . You don’t have to have anything special, no expensive gadgets. Paper ornaments have their charm precisely because they are simple, handmade and each piece is a little different. Many still remember how such ornaments were hung on the spruce tree.
Today, people return to them not only because of tradition, but also because of their children. Making paper ornaments is a great way to enjoy the evenings before Christmas together and in peace.
The magic of cheap decoration
But the biggest charm of paper decorations is that you can find most of the things at home, so they usually don’t cost anything. Classic office paper, wrapping paper, old magazines, newspapers or leftover colored sheets are suitable. Just add scissors, glue and string. If you want to be more creative, you can also use dried citrus, wooden beads or a piece of ribbon.
Instructions for simple paper stars
Needs:
- 8 squares of paper of the same size
- glue
- string for hanging
- scissors
Procedure:
Fold each square in half to form a rectangle. Then fold once more to make a smaller square. In the folded square, make three to four even cuts towards the fold, but do not cut all the way to the edge. Unfold the paper and gradually fold the individual cuts inwards to create fine rays. Fold all the finished papers and glue them together in a circle. When you glue the last page, a beautiful space star is created. Make a small hole or glue a string and hang the star in a window, on a twig or on a tree.
Why this habit is worth it
Handmade paper ornaments have something that no store-bought decoration can. They are personal. They are created together, in the warmth of home, where each star or flake carries a tiny imperfection that makes it an original. In addition, they are ecological and cost almost nothing, just like the Christmas our grandmothers remember.
You might be surprised how quickly this old tradition will make its way back into your family. Paper decorations bring a real Christmas atmosphere that does not seem exaggerated or artificial. Just sit down, make some tea, pick up a piece of paper and let your hands work. You will find that this forgotten custom is more beautiful than most modern decorations.
