As December 2025 rolls in, the landscape of holiday decorating is undergoing a vibrant transformation. Gone are the days when monochromatic trees and beige, Scandinavian minimalism dominated living rooms. Instead, a bold movement toward color, nostalgia, and layered personality is sweeping homes across North America and beyond. According to CBC, this year’s festive home trends are all about embracing more color, more personality, and—perhaps most importantly—more fun.
“Years ago, everything was white, minimal and Scandinavian,” explained Sarah McBean, creative director and founder of RW Interiors in Guelph, Ontario. “Now everybody wants to see more colour infused into their home.” This shift is not just a matter of swapping out ornaments; it’s a reimagining of the entire holiday experience, where the memories you want to create and your personal style take center stage. As Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy’s trend expert, put it: “The holidays should be a complete reflection of you.”
At the heart of this decorative renaissance is the viral 'Ralph Lauren Christmas' style, a trend that’s been setting social media ablaze since October. According to Prestige Online, the look first caught fire on TikTok, where creators—ranging from interior designers to former Ralph Lauren employees—shared tips and inspiration for achieving the coveted aesthetic at home. The result? A groundswell of interest in a holiday decor style that is both luxurious and deeply nostalgic, evoking the warmth of Christmases past while feeling undeniably fresh.
So, what exactly is a Ralph Lauren Christmas? Think of it as the sartorial equivalent of your grandpa’s study—rich, heritage-inspired, and a little bit glamorous, but with a cozy, cottage twist. McBean likens the look to “your grandpa’s study or your grandparents’ home, but elevated.” The style leans heavily on patterns like plaid and tartan, sumptuous materials such as crushed velvet, and a color palette that includes deep burgundy, hunter green, and even burnt orange. Brass accents, dark wood, and touches of antique crystal round out the look, while roaring fires and the scent of pine and spice evoke a sense of home reminiscent of Christmas in Sandringham.
The draw of the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic is its ability to conjure feelings of nostalgia and heritage in an era when, as Prestige Online notes, “many are yearning for simpler days.” In a time marked by economic and political uncertainty, people are seeking comfort in the familiar. The trend’s popularity is rooted not just in its visual appeal, but in its emotional resonance—it makes a space feel like home, a sentiment that’s especially poignant during the holidays.
Layering is a key principle here. Rather than encouraging a wholesale shopping spree, experts recommend marrying heirloom pieces with thoughtful new purchases to create a look that feels both timeless and personal. As Prestige Online describes, “its true charm lies in the fact that it is layered and authentic—a look and vibe that marries heirloom pieces with well-considered new purchases for something that is classic, elegant, and filled with heritage and heart.” This approach allows for the inclusion of family antiques, vintage ornaments, and even handmade touches, resulting in a decor scheme that tells a story unique to each household.
The Ralph Lauren Christmas isn’t the only trend making waves this year. According to CBC, '90s nostalgia is also making a comeback, blending bright primary colors, shiny tinsel, and foil with softer textures for a retro look that feels both familiar and modern. “It’s like [the] ’90s but less tacky,” McBean noted, emphasizing a more refined, less maximalist take on the era’s exuberant style. Think paper chains draped across archways, garlands of beads or popcorn, and punch bowls that harken back to childhood celebrations. Vintage and preloved ornaments from thrift stores are especially prized, adding to the sense of history and individuality.
Another trend gaining traction is maximalist flourishes, or ‘dopamine decor,’ which is all about dialing up the drama with playful prints, sparkly tinsel, and whimsical ceramics in a kaleidoscope of colors. Isom Johnson described this look as “driven by creativity,” encouraging decorators to swap out neutral throws for striped or polka-dotted ones and to embrace multiple colors and themes for their Christmas trees rather than sticking to a single, monochromatic scheme.
For those who prefer a more sophisticated, mysterious vibe, the ‘moody and magical’ or ‘Gothmas’ trend is the answer. This style relies on soft, jewel-toned candlelight—think black, navy blue, emerald, and ruby—paired with luxurious fabrics like velvet and satin. Celestial motifs such as moons and stars add a touch of enchantment, while natural elements like pomegranates, citrus fruits, plums, figs, and walnuts provide color and texture. “The atmosphere should be enchanted, not gloomy,” Isom Johnson advised, noting that this candlelit look is perfect for nighttime gatherings but can easily transition to daytime with the right natural accents.
One trend that continues to evolve is the use of bows. Far from fading out, bows remain a budget-friendly and impactful way to add artistic flair to holiday decor in 2025. McBean observed that the latest take is sculptural and artistic—think multiple bows on wreaths or trees, or a single bow with an exaggerated tail draped across a mantel or tabletop. Playing with ribbons and fabric in various sizes, widths, and materials adds maximum visual interest without breaking the bank.
All these trends share a common thread: a move away from perfection and toward a lived-in, joyfully imperfect celebration. As Isom Johnson summed up, “The memories that you want to create, your style.” This year, whether your inspiration comes from the refined elegance of a Ralph Lauren Christmas, the playful exuberance of the ’90s, or the enchanting mystery of Gothmas, the guiding principle is authenticity. Layer your space with stories, embrace color and creativity, and let your personal history shine through.
With the holiday season in full swing, it’s clear that 2025’s decorating trends are less about following strict rules and more about celebrating individuality and togetherness. So dig out those family heirlooms, mix in some new treasures, and let your home reflect the warmth, nostalgia, and magic of the season—because when it comes to holiday decor this year, more is definitely more.