The Common Colours of Christmas

Why are Christmas colours red and green?

Red and green are the colours of Christmas, they have been for hundreds of years. Green represents eternal life with the presence of the evergreen tree and a hope for renewal that it will return green as ever after being dormant all winter. And that is how the fir tree came to be a central Christmas symbol.

Red speaks of love, heat and passion. At first, Christmas trees were lit with red apples for the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Later, these became red balls, ribbons and garlands that still join our Christmas trees now.

The Green of the Fir Tree

Evergreen trees remain green  all year and represent life, hope and renewal at a time of the year where some plants' leaves and shrivel. This is why you will see the fir tree as a key Christmas symbol.

Red Ornaments

When the Christmas tree was first used, it was adorned with red apples to re-enact the Garden of Eden. These were later substituted with red baubles and garlands.

Gold and Silver

The Gleam of Gold

Gold ornaments symbolise light, wealth and the divine. They are the representations of the three gifts from the three wise men – gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Silver Shine

Silver symbolizes purity and the stars or Star of Bethlehem that led the wise men to infant Jesus.

Sparkling Decorations

Tinsel and sparkling streamers bring magic into the home, bringing wonder and light to dark winter days.

White - The Winter's Colour

Snowy White

White represents the snow, purity and innocence. It evokes a sense of winter fairy-tale and Christmas magic.

Angelic White

White is for angels, who the Bible says announced the birth of Christ. White angels and doves are common additions to the Christmas tree.

Light and Hope

White is a symbol of light entering darkness — the main theme of Christmas, which we celebrate near the winter solstice.

Blue and Purple

Royal Blue

The colour blue is like the night sky, stars, infinite space and winter. It brings charm and peace to Christmas ornaments.

Purple of Advent

In Christian tradition, Advent — the four weeks before Christmas when anticipation and preparation abound is coloured purple.

Modern Colour Trends

Rose Gold

Softer and more modern shimmer to classic decorations is a current trend.

Scandinavian White and Silver

Minimalist design featuring of white, silver and natural elements for a clean and tranquil look.

Rainbow Colours

Colourful decorations that celebrate happiness, diversity and the magic of holidays.

Colour Symbolism

Green - life, hope, nature, and eternal life

Red - passion, love, joy and warmth of giving

Gold - divinity, wealth, light

Silver - purity, stars, reflection

White - purity, peace, snow, light

Blue – still, night, icy, sky

Selecting Colours For Your Tree

Classic Colour Scheme - Red, green and gold for your classic Christmas look

Easily Coordinated With the Room Décor: Stylish Design - Silver, white and blue for an elegant space

Shape and Colour Theme - Brown, green and beige with natural materials

Throwback Look - Something unusual like turquoise and silver, or pink and gold

Single-Color Style - A single colour in multiple shades for a clean and minimal look

The Marketing Psychology of Christmas Colours

Why do we find happiness in these colours?

Red and green are opposite colours, so they pop visually and jump out. They stimulate energy and joy.

The Warmth of Gold

Yellow hues offer a sense of warmth and opulence, evoking candlelight and the fireplace.

The Simplicity of Blue and White

Cool colours complement warm ones and bring harmony, a reminder of snow and the winter sky.

No matter what colours you've opted for in your Christmas décor, any significant colour will be meaningful and set the tone. All that matters is that it reflects your sense of style and makes you happy to be in the home!