In the
1960s and ‘70s, lighted ceramic Christmas trees were everywhere in the United
States, and this year they seem to be making a comeback. These cheerful
decorations have been around for about eighty years, so many may have been
inherited from mothers and grandmothers but new ones are being advertised in a
variety of outlets.
 |
| Debra Hines' Tree |
The
earliest models appeared in the 1940s and were made by private craftspeople. As
the figures gained popularity, they began to be commercially produced. The
Atlantic Mold company copyrighted the first lighted ceramic tree in 1958. The
traditional model is a green tree with ‘snow’ on the branches and multi-colored
lights. But as more manufacturers entered the market, variability in size and
colors were introduced. Initially, the lights were lit individually, but soon
an easily replaceable single bulb in the hollow center of the tree became the
source for lighting all of the bulbs.
Popularity
of these trees grew through the ‘60s, reaching its peak in the 1970s. As women
wanted to produce their own decorations or handmade gifts, they flocked to
classes at local ceramics shops to paint their own creations. This allowed many
choices of paint and plastic ‘bulb’ colors.
 |
| My Tree |
In the
1980s, the demand for the trees declined as did interest in ceramics as a hobby.
At that time, I worked at the Iowa Veterans Home, where production of these
decorations was still popular among the residents who frequented the Recreation
Department’s ceramics workshop. I placed my order for a green tree with blue lights
to match my holiday décor during my time there.
In the
1990s many mold makers and ceramics manufacturers went out of business, merged,
or discontinued making the lighted trees. This year interest has again surged. According
to Country Living magazine (countryliving.com), lighted ceramic Christmas trees
are “all the rage again.”
Mine is out and shining brightly every night. Does your grandma have a lighted, ceramic Christmas tree? Your mother? You?
Merry Christmas!
Ann Markim
Buy Links: Paperback at Amazon Amazon print or digital
These weren't a 'thing' in Scotland in the 60s or 70s, but I have seen versions of them since. As I remember 60s Europe it was all about the artificial trees made from the new plastics, and they came in many colours. My granny, ever the fashion leader, had a white tree covered in silver and crystals. I thought it was the most beautiful tree I'd ever seen and still decorate a small one like that in her honour.
ReplyDeleteI think we had the colorful plastic trees inthe States, too. Love that you decorate a small tree like your granny's in memory of her. Merry Christmas!
DeleteI thought your tree was from the Iowa Veterans Home. I remember how difficult they were to get for a while. Residents were still making a few every year....at least up until the last year or 2 with COVID :( I still enjoy seeing these.
ReplyDeleteYes. The tree is still special to me - brings back many good memories.
DeleteA lovely piece of history and a delightful custom
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing
Thank you Lindsay.
DeleteThey are so fun, and as they say, 'everything comes back around'. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Doris
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDelete