Calvin Coolidge Christmas: 16 Old Fashioned Tree Ideas From the First National Christmas Tree in 1923

Calvin Coolidge Christmas history starts with one tall tree and a moment most people have never heard about. In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit the very first National Christmas Tree in Washington, a 48 foot balsam fir sent all the way from Vermont, his home state. Paul Moody, the president of Middlebury College, donated the tree, and a tree has been decorated there every single year since. That first tree had the simple charm we still love today: fresh balsam, big glowing bulbs and a feeling of neighbors gathering in the cold. Below are 16 old fashioned tree ideas inspired by that 1923 Christmas, from popcorn strands and paper stars to a tiny tree in a sap bucket. Each one is cozy, easy on the budget and made with things you can find at home..

Calvin Coolidge Christmas: The 1923 Tree That Started It All

In December 1923 a crowd gathered on the Ellipse near the White House, and Calvin Coolidge lit a giant Vermont balsam fir. You can read the full history of the National Christmas Tree if you love a good story. For a home version, think tall fresh tree, big colorful bulbs, popcorn strands, paper stars and simple gifts wrapped in brown paper. A Calvin Coolidge Christmas look is all about warm, homemade charm instead of fancy store bought perfection. Which old fashioned touch would you add first?..

You will need: A fresh balsam fir or a full artificial tree, large vintage style bulbs, popcorn and cranberry strands, paper stars, brown kraft paper and red ribbon for gifts.

How to make it: 1. Set the tree near a window so daylight hits the branches. 2. Wrap the bulbs first, working from the trunk out. 3. Add strands, stars and a few glass ornaments, then wrap gifts in kraft paper with red ribbon.

A Balsam Fir Trimmed in Plain White Bulbs

Sometimes the most elegant tree is also the simplest. A full balsam fir with nothing but big old fashioned white bulbs looks calm, classic and grown up, a lot like a quiet New England parlor a hundred years ago. Balsam also has that sweet forest smell people remember from childhood. Because there are no ornaments to fuss over, this tree goes up in under an hour and still looks stunning from the street. Could you keep your tree this simple for one season?

You will need: A balsam fir, one or two strands of large warm white bulbs, a plain tree stand, a soft white blanket for the base.

How to make it: 1. Fluff every branch so there are no gaps. 2. Wrap the bulbs in a loose spiral, tucking some deeper into the tree. 3. Hide the stand under a white blanket and step back to check the glow.

Calvin Coolidge Christmas Style: A Vermont Woodland Tree

Calvin Coolidge grew up in a tiny Vermont village, and a woodland tree brings that same mountain feeling indoors. Pine cones, rolled birch bark, red winterberry sprigs and plaid wool ribbon cost almost nothing, especially if you gather some on a walk. This Calvin Coolidge Christmas style works well in cabins, farmhouses and small apartments that need a little cozy. Mix textures rather than colors and the tree will look rich. What could you find in your own backyard?

You will need: Pine cones, strips of birch bark from a craft store, winterberry sprigs, plaid wool ribbon, floral wire.

How to make it: 1. Wire a loop onto each pine cone. 2. Roll birch bark into little scrolls and tie with twine. 3. Tuck winterberry sprigs between branches and weave the plaid ribbon in long loose waves.

Red, White and Blue Ribbon Bows

A national tree deserves a little patriotic color, and ribbon bows are the easiest way to get it. Tie simple bows in red, white and blue and clip them all over the tree with small white bulbs behind them. It feels cheerful and old fashioned at the same time, and it is lovely for families with someone serving in the military. One spool of each color usually covers a six foot tree. Would you mix all three colors or give each section its own?

You will need: Spools of red, white and blue ribbon about 1.5 inches wide, scissors, floral wire or twist ties, small white bulbs.

How to make it: 1. Cut ribbon into 20 inch pieces and tie each into a bow. 2. Wrap a short piece of wire around the center knot. 3. Twist the bows onto the branches in a zigzag, mixing the colors evenly.

Hand Folded Paper Star Ornaments

Families in the 1920s made a lot of their ornaments at the kitchen table, and folded paper stars were a favorite. White and cream paper looks soft and snowy against dark balsam needles, and a few simple cuts give each star a lacy edge. This is a sweet project for a cold evening with music on and cocoa nearby. Make a big batch and hang them on red thread. How many stars could your family fold in one night?

You will need: White and cream paper squares, scissors, a ruler, a glue stick, red thread or baker’s twine.

How to make it: 1. Fold each square in half twice and then into a triangle. 2. Snip small notches along the folded edges and open it up. 3. Glue two stars back to back, add a red thread loop and hang.

Calvin Coolidge Christmas Popcorn and Cranberry Garland

No old fashioned tree is complete without popcorn and cranberries, and this one is a true classic for a reason. The white and red strands look cheerful, they cost very little and the whole family can help. Let the popcorn sit out for a day so it is less likely to crack on the needle. Birds will enjoy the strands outside after the holidays too. Who in your home would have the most patience for threading?

You will need: Plain popped popcorn, fresh cranberries, a large needle, strong cotton thread, a bowl.

How to make it: 1. Pop the corn plain and let it sit out overnight. 2. Thread a pattern like five popcorn, one cranberry. 3. Knot both ends and drape the strands across the tree in soft swoops, with adult help for the needle.

A Tabletop Feather Tree

Before big fresh trees were common in every living room, many homes had little feather trees with widely spaced branches. They are perfect for a side table, an entryway or a small apartment where a full tree will not fit. The open branches show off tiny ornaments beautifully. You can find feather style trees online or make one with a dowel and wire branches wrapped in green garland. Where would a little vintage tree look best in your home?

You will need: A small feather style tree or a dowel, floral wire and thin green garland, a little white wooden box for a base, tiny glass ornaments, red berry picks.

How to make it: 1. Stand the tree in the white box and steady it with stones inside. 2. Bend each branch so it points slightly up. 3. Add one tiny ornament and one berry tip to each branch.

Maple Sugar Cookie Ornaments

Vermont is famous for maple syrup, so maple leaf cookies are a sweet nod to the state that sent the first national tree. Bake sugar cookies with a little maple syrup in the dough, poke a hole before baking and tie them up with red string. They look adorable on the branches and smell even better. Keep them on the tree for a few days, then share them. Would your cookies ever last long enough to hang?

You will need: Sugar cookie dough, a spoon of maple syrup, leaf and star cookie cutters, white icing, a straw, red string.

How to make it: 1. Mix maple syrup into the dough and roll it out. 2. Cut shapes and poke a hole with a straw before baking. 3. Once cool, ice the edges, let them dry and tie on red string.

Calvin Coolidge Christmas Tree in an Old Sap Bucket

A tiny balsam fir tucked into an old galvanized sap bucket is pure Vermont farmhouse charm. Sap buckets once hung on maple trees to collect syrup, and today they show up at flea markets for a few dollars. Add a plaid bow and set the little tree on a porch step, a kitchen counter or by the front door. This Calvin Coolidge Christmas idea is also a lovely hostess gift. Could you spot a sap bucket at your next antique stop?

You will need: A small potted balsam fir or tabletop tree, an old galvanized bucket, small stones, burlap, a red plaid ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Put stones in the bottom of the bucket for weight. 2. Set the potted tree inside and hide the pot with burlap. 3. Tie a big plaid bow around the bucket handle.

Vintage Postcard Ornaments

Old Christmas postcards are full of snowy villages, sleighs and holly, and they make gorgeous ornaments. Print free vintage postcard art, cut out circles and decoupage them onto wooden discs. If you love the look of older decorations, our vintage Christmas ornaments ideas pair perfectly with these. Each one becomes a tiny window into a 1920s Christmas. They also make thoughtful gifts tied to a package. Which postcard scene would you choose first?

You will need: Wooden craft discs, printed vintage postcard art, scissors, decoupage glue, a foam brush, a small drill or pre drilled discs, red ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Cut the art into circles the same size as the discs. 2. Brush glue on the disc, press the paper on and add a top coat. 3. Let dry, then thread red ribbon through the hole.

Wooden Toy Ornaments

A hundred years ago many children found wooden toys under the tree, so wooden soldiers, trains, rocking horses and drums make charming ornaments. Craft stores sell unfinished wooden shapes for pennies, and a little red, blue and gold paint brings them to life. Grandparents love this one because it brings back memories. A few strokes of paint per piece is plenty. Which little toy would make you smile the most on the branches?

You will need: Unfinished wooden toy shapes, acrylic paint in red, blue, gold and white, small brushes, tiny screw eyes, gold cord.

How to make it: 1. Paint a base coat on each shape and let it dry. 2. Add simple details like buttons, stripes and wheels. 3. Twist in a screw eye with adult help and hang with gold cord.

Balsam Fir Sachet Ornaments

Little balsam pillows are a much loved Vermont tradition, and they smell like a walk in the woods. Sew small squares of plaid flannel, fill them with dried balsam needles and add a twine loop. Hang a few on the tree and tuck the rest into drawers, closets or gift bags. When the scent fades, just give them a gentle squeeze. Would you keep these for yourself or give them all away?

You will need: Red and green plaid flannel, dried balsam fir needles, a needle and thread or sewing machine, jute twine.

How to make it: 1. Cut two 4 inch squares and sew three sides with a twine loop in a corner. 2. Fill with balsam needles. 3. Stitch the last side closed and hang or gift.

Calvin Coolidge Christmas Mitten Garland

Vermont winters are long and snowy, and a garland of tiny wool mittens and socks feels just right for an old fashioned mantel. Knit them, buy small ones at a craft store or cut little mitten shapes from old sweaters. Clip them along jute twine with tiny wooden clothespins and drape it over pine branches. This Calvin Coolidge Christmas garland looks handmade in the best way. Do you have an old sweater waiting for a second life?

You will need: Tiny knitted mittens and socks or felted wool from old sweaters, jute twine, mini wooden clothespins, pine branches.

How to make it: 1. Make or gather 10 to 15 mini mittens and socks. 2. Stretch the twine across the mantel. 3. Clip the pieces on, alternating colors, and tuck pine underneath.

Punched Tin Ornaments

Punched tin has a long history in New England homes, and the little holes sparkle beautifully when tree lights shine behind them. Cut stars and hearts from disposable aluminum pie tins, set them on a scrap board and tap a pattern with a nail. Adults should handle cutting and punching, but kids can draw the dot patterns. They look like heirlooms and cost almost nothing. What pattern would you punch into your star?

You will need: Disposable aluminum pie tins, a paper template, sturdy scissors, a nail, a hammer, a scrap wood board, thin wire.

How to make it: 1. With adult help, cut star and heart shapes and fold the sharp edges under. 2. Tape a dot pattern on top and tap each dot with the nail. 3. Punch a hanging hole and add a wire loop.

Front Yard Evergreen With Big Old Fashioned Bulbs

The 1923 tree stood outside, and an outdoor evergreen glowing with big colored bulbs is still one of the most welcoming sights on a winter street. Choose outdoor rated bulbs in red, green, blue and amber and wrap them loosely so the shape of the tree shows. Pair it with a simple wreath on the door. Neighbors will slow down every evening. Is there a tree in your yard just waiting for its moment?

You will need: Outdoor rated large bulb light strands, an outdoor timer, plant safe light clips, a wreath for the door.

How to make it: 1. Plan the strands from the bottom up and use only outdoor rated lights. 2. Wrap loosely around the tree and secure with clips. 3. Set a timer so the tree glows every evening.

Calvin Coolidge Christmas Balsam Garland for the Mantel

Finish your Calvin Coolidge Christmas look with a fresh balsam garland across the mantel, full of pine cones, red berries and a few vintage glass ornaments. A red velvet bow on each end makes it feel finished. Fresh balsam lasts for weeks indoors if you mist it now and then, and the scent fills the whole room. It ties the tree, the stockings and the whole season together. How will you style your mantel this year?

You will need: A fresh balsam garland, pine cones, red berry picks, vintage glass ornaments, two red velvet bows, removable hooks.

How to make it: 1. Hang the garland with removable hooks so it dips slightly in the middle. 2. Wire in pine cones and berries every few inches. 3. Add ornaments and a bow at each end, and mist the greens every few days.