Christmas, above all, is associated with a special, magical atmosphere. The sounds of well-known carols coming from everywhere, as well as luminous decorations: sparkling stars or Christmas tree lights bring to mind a time of childhood carefreeness. If you also want to feel the fabulous atmosphere of Christmas in your home, do it the easy way. Explore and bring Christmas lanterns indoors!
Christmas lanterns not only in Poland
What do you associate Christmas lanterns with? You will probably at first think of the small lanterns that used to light people’s way during snowy December nights. But did you know that a lantern is such a unique, yet universal, decoration that it is associated with Christmas celebrations not only in Europe? Examples are most easily found in South America.
In Colombia, the festive season begins with the so-called “holiday season. Small Candle Day. This is when people place paper lanterns or candles in their windows, balconies or backyards. In many regions, spectacular arrangements are created to illuminate buildings, but also elements of nature, such as rivers. The most popular place in the country is becoming the city of Quimbaya, which is famous for its residents creating the most beautiful lighted decorations to celebrate the holiday.
And in Argentina, fireworks were traditionally displayed in the sky at midnight on Christmas Eve. However, this custom is changing. Increasingly, Argentines are choosing to release colorful paper lanterns into the sky instead of fireworks.
What are traditional Christmas lanterns?
Traditional lanterns are actually Advent lanterns. Most often, they were handmade by the children, who set out to attend the annual mass held at sunrise. The charm of a small light in the midst of darkness and its symbolism meant that the lanterns themselves became increasingly popular over time.
Today, Christmas lanterns are not just small lanterns with which the faithful come to church. Increasingly, lanterns are set up in homes: in windows, on shelves or on a table. This makes the magical Christmas atmosphere even more palpable.
Patterns on Christmas lanterns
Initially, most lanterns were decorated with motifs referring to the religious aspects of the holidays. Today, however, other themes have become much more popular:
- Always fashionable are Christmas lanterns with reindeer, snowflakes or forest views painted or embossed on them;
- The atmosphere of the holidays will be emphasized by lanterns with a star motif or Christmas tree ornaments;
- Fans of nature will like models decorated with conifer branches, pinecones and rowan trees;
- It is important to match the lanterns with the interior design. And so, for example, in rooms in the Scandinavian style, simple in form models made of metal and glass look great. On the other hand, in rustic interiors will work well, among others. Adorable lanterns in the shape of houses, the windows of which will light up a warm yellow glow.
- Christmas mood in the children’s room will be created by Christmas lanterns with the image of Santa Claus, an angel, a picture of a snowman, an elf or a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
Exceptional and unique handmade Christmas lanterns
If you want to be sure that the Christmas lanterns you choose will be unique, opt for a handmade lantern. You can bet on metal and glass lanterns that are classic in form, but there are many more choices. You can also find very original ceramic candle holders on the market, which are also great for lanterns placed in the house.
Cozy, warm home thanks to wooden Christmas lanterns
Wooden lanterns are held in high regard. The light from the warmer (a popular tealight) or LED bulb then comes out through a pattern cut into the wood. Most often it is a reindeer, a deer, a snowflake or a house whose roof is covered with a cap of fluffy snow. These types of lanterns add warmth and coziness to the interior. They bring out what is most important for many in the holiday atmosphere.
Ceramic Christmas lanterns in a variety of appearances
The second popular type of Christmas lanterns are ceramic models. You’ll find them most often in one of two guises:
- The elegant version. These are lanterns kept in colors of white, gold or silver. They are shaped like Christmas motifs (e.g., a Christmas tree) or the traditional year-round lanterns. These types of lanterns are great for decorating a holiday table.
- The children’s version. Ceramic Christmas lanterns you will often meet in many cheerful shapes: festive gnomes, snowmen, smiling Santas or colorful bells. Each of these lanterns will bring joy to children and bring a little magic to their rooms.
DIY Christmas Lanterns
If you like a challenge and have some talent, a unique Christmas lantern can be created by yourself! Invite your child or other half to play – then you will not only prepare beautiful decorations, but also have a nice time together.
Christmas lanterns from jars – even a child will make them!
What do you need to create Christmas lanterns? The simplest solution is to use jars. Decorate them with decoupage techniques, paint them with paints or glue pine branches to them. Do you think you don’t have enough artistic talent? Choose jars of different sizes, and simply tie a string or colored ribbon around the top. You can also cut out some gold stars from adhesive paper and stick them in different places. DIY Christmas lanterns ready to go!
Christmas lanterns made of cardboard? Try it!
Another interesting way is to prepare Christmas lanterns from… cardboard! How to do it? You can find many ready-made designs on the Internet – just trace them, assemble the lantern and decorate it as you like. You may also be tempted to design a lantern yourself with your favorite motifs.
Christmas lanterns for the garden or balcony
The holiday season is a special time. Do you desire the atmosphere of Christmas to be felt from afar, even before you open the door of the house? Set up Christmas lanterns on the balcony, terrace or in the garden. You can use lanterns made of glass and metal, which will illuminate the space beautifully after dark. Place them on the ground or attach them to the ceiling of the balcony. Special hooks on which you hang lanterns will also work great in the garden.
If you are apprehensive about placing candle or tealight illuminated lanterns outdoors, opt for imitation solar lights. They will look just as beautiful, plus they will provide more security.
Christmas lanterns are fantastic Christmas decorations. During the day, they make unique decorations that bring a festive atmosphere to your home like no other. In the evening, on the other hand, they add a magical atmosphere, and their warm light instantly makes the house a place so cozy that you won’t want to leave it.
