Christmas season is here, and this year’s festive trend is loud, joyful, and proudly old-school. According to The Guardian, a major “Christmas vibe shift” is sweeping through homes, pushing aside minimalist décor in favor of a warm and familiar style that feels straight out of Home Alone. The look is bold, colorful, and packed with nostalgia—exactly the kind of Christmas many people remember from childhood.
This revival brings big wreaths, tartan ribbons, wooden nutcrackers, and trees overflowing with baubles. It’s the opposite of beige décor. Fans of the new look say it celebrates everything Christmas should be: fun, cozy, and unabashedly cheerful. And with the holiday spirit running high this year, many families are leaning into the tradition-rich, joy-filled holiday atmosphere they grew up loving.
The Rise Of The ‘Home Alone’ Christmas Look
The Christmas trend taking over social media borrows heavily from the classic 1990 film Home Alone. Fans are embracing tartan pajamas, gingerbread-style décor, and overflowing stockings. Even celebrities are joining in. Michelle Pfeiffer’s new holiday film channels that same aesthetic, leaning into big bows, warm colors, and suburban festive charm.
Retailers have seen the shift too. Marks & Spencer reports surging sales of candy-cane baubles and tinsel rosettes, proving that people want a Christmas that feels lively and sentimental. Gen Z, once known for irony and neutral palettes, now drives the trend with an earnest love for old-fashioned holiday décor.
Why Nostalgia Is Taking Over This Holiday Season In Particular
Part of the appeal is emotional. As The Guardian notes, people crave the comfort of familiar Christmas traditions, especially in uncertain times. The look reminds many of family gatherings, simpler seasons, and childhood memories filled with lights, music, and warmth.
Brands have embraced the shift as well. Burberry, Ralph Lauren, and John Lewis all leaned into 1990s holiday themes this year. Their campaigns highlight classic decorations, glowing lights, and a sentimental Christmas aesthetic that resonates across generations. The message is clear: joy isn’t minimalist—joy is colorful, abundant, and wrapped up in memories.
