Christmas decor has taken a nostalgic turn this year, with TikTok reporting a surge in videos celebrating festive looks from the 1990s. More than 8,000 posts under the hashtag #90sChristmas feature multicoloured tree lights, homemade felt ornaments and VHS tapes of classics like Home Alone.
The app said Christmas decor videos had increased by 100% over the past year. Trend experts link the retro trend to a desire for stability. “There is a sense of inherent nostalgia… it’s a search for comfort from yesteryear when things right now are a bit more uncertain,” said Hugh Metcalf, editor of Livingetc.com.
Alongside the 90s look, a ‘Ralph Lauren Christmas’ aesthetic is popular, with deep colours, tartan prints and tips on achieving the look on a budget. WGSN, a forecasting firm, says this reflects a broader push for “new classic iterations and traditional vibes”.
For those seeking even older styles, ‘opulent antiquity’ trends include velvet stockings and tree skirts, with ‘Little Women Christmas’ gaining traction. The Holiday film’s interiors, under the #NancyMeyersAesthetic hashtag, also inspire warm, traditional decor.
On the music front, the most searched Christmas song on TikTok this month is Wham!’s “Last Christmas” from the 1980s.
