From antique snowshoes to timeless traditions, experience the 12 Days of Christmas with these decorating tips! Get inspired by old-fashioned grandeur.
What Are The 12 Days of Christmas?
The 12 days of Christmas is the period in Christian theology that marks the span between the birth of Christ and the coming of the three wise men. It begins on December 25 (Christmas) and runs through January 5, sometimes also called Three Kings’ Day.
“The 12 Days of Christmas” is also a Christmas carol, best known by the 1909 arrangement of a traditional folk melody by English composer Frederic Austin in which the singer boasts about all the lavish gifts they received from their “true love” during the 12 days of Christmas. Each verse builds on the previous one, like a cumulative song.
12 Days of Christmas Decorations
Let me share with you 12 of your and my favorite Christmas decorations that you can easily incorporate into your home during the upcoming 12 Days of Christmas that are just upon us.
1. Vintage Blue Ice Skates
These vintage blue ice skates adorned with ankle fur were an eBay find a few years back. And I believe to be the most admired Christmas decoration I have shared here on the blog.
So many of you have messaged me about where to find vintage blue ice skates. You’ll need to be patient and keep your eyes open over on eBay, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace. Every now and then, I see a pair go on sale.
Vintage white ice skates are more readily available at your local thrift shops and second-hand shops and can be just as cute dressed up for one of the 12 Days of Christmas. You may enjoy the 10 Creative Ways To Decorate a Vintage Sled post by my friend Lora over at Create and Ponder, who incorporates a variety of ways to decorate with vintage ice skates and sleds.
This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
2. Vintage Snowshoes
Vintage snowshoes are one of my favorite 12 Days of Christmas decorations, as I can keep them up all winter long. And I just love the look, texture, and charm that they add. Indoors or outdoors, they are a cherished trimming.
You may see more vintage snowshoe inspiration in the Ski Lodge Vintage Snowshoes post and Front Door Ski Lodge Lodge Vintage Snowshoes post.
3. Swedish Christmas Bottles
One of my new favorite 12 Days of Christmas decorations are these easy-to-make Christmas bottles revered by our friends in the Nordic countries. See more in the Firelight, Evergreens, and Snow: The Christmas Bottle Project of Swedish Homes post.
4. A Three Wreath Christmas Tradition
Every year, on Day 1 of 12 Days of Christmas decorations I look forward to hanging three wreaths on our front door at our home in Maine. A tradition I started 5 years ago. Learn more in the 3 Wreath Christmas Tradition On A 1930s Front Door post.
Previous Year Traditions:
5. 12 Days of Christmas with Musical Instruments
Last year I found a an old drum and trumpet while out “Thrifting with the Gals.” Along with an elongated vintage Vermont high school band picture. Musical instruments are so festive as holiday decor. Add a ribbon and woola! See more in the How to Decorate Bookshelves for a Vintage Christmas post.
You may also enjoy this Cabin Decor: 8 Winter Table Setting Ideas post.
6. Mini Tree Christmas
Add mini trees to your 12 days of Christmas decorations. Remove the Christmas tree ornaments from your trees and lean them up on a porch or deck. Trees are magical in all their forms.
See more in the Front Porch Holiday Decorating Ideas with Classic New England Charm and Vintage Ski Lodge Porch | Get the Look posts.
7. Winterberries
Winterberries are a simple 12 days of Christmas decoration that are classic, yet pack quite a punch.
The red berries are absolutely stunning. You can buy faux winterberries or fresh ones from your local nursery. We even planted two winterberry bushes at our home here in Vermont and have a thriving Winterberry bush at our home in Maine.
You may enjoy the A Simple yet Imaginative Mixed Pottery Winter Table and Romantic Table Setting Pretty in Pink posts.
8. Vintage Sleds and Toboggans
Who doesn’t love an old vintage sled? Ever seen a vintage toboggan? Or heard of a Jack Jumper? I use them all for the 12 Days of Christmas right through the entire winter season.
You may see more in the Vintage Toboggan Sled | Ski Lodge Decor and Ski Lodge Winter Porch Decor on Full Display posts.
9. Embrace Your Creativity
Here, I found this vintage pedal car at a barn sale while back in Maine over the Thanksgiving holiday. Wait until you see how it transformed into a 12 days of Christmas decoration in the post, Christmas Buggies & Go Karts Decoration Ideas: Get Creative & Enjoy The Ride!
10. Add a Scarf to It!
Give your furry friend, a wreath, or Christmas window box, a scarf, or a bow. Ella has the Christmas spirit with my father’s old plaid scarf. And Ella always wants to be part of the decorations, I bet yours do too.
You may also love this 12+ Creative Ways to Decorate with a Thrifted Old Scarf, again from my friend Lora over at Create and Ponder.
11. Thrift It or DIY It
These 15+ Christmas and Holiday Thrift Store Makeovers will have you crafting your decorations right through the 12 days of Christmas.
12. Vintage Wagon Wheel
Do you have an old wagon wheel? Or maybe you can find one out thrifting and antiquing? Add white lights to it and create your own wagon wheel peace sign.
See more in the DIY Christmas Wagon Wheel with White Lights! post.
This was one of the very first blog posts I ever wrote, so please be kind, haha…
This year, I decided to go with something smaller, a grapevine peace sign wreath with white lights on our split rail fence.
I’m so glad you dropped by, and if you are new to my blog, welcome! I hope you enjoyed your visit with us today at our Home in Vermont.
Be sure to check out our Home in Coastal Maine, too, where we spend summers and weekends when we are craving a walk on the beach or a visit with old friends.
I’ve created the above custom pin just for this post! Hearing from you makes my day; your comments mean so much! Please join me over on Instagram and Pinterest to see more!
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Ann
I love all these 12 days of Christmas ideas.
Thanks so much Rachel❤️
I truly think your best “decoration” at any time of the year in either Maine or Vermont has to be Ella! She’s such a beauty….and most definitely not camera shy! Happy holidays!
Oh she sure is. You should see her pose in person, it’s the funniest thing ever. I just love her. Happy Holidays Melissa and thanks so much for your cute note!