The Big Bow Christmas // 2025’s Return to Joyful, Maximalist Décor

This year, Christmas décor has taken a confident step away from minimalist neutrals and whisper-soft styling.  The “quiet holiday” era is officially over. 

In its place? A jubilant return to colour, shine, personality and full-throttle festive cheer.  Think oversized bows, unapologetic tinsel, ‘National Lampoons Christmas Vacation/Clark Griswold’ style outside Christmas lights, indoor Christmas villages, towering Nutcrackers and a wink of 1980’s glamour woven into every garland.  Christmas 2025 has one message: go big or go home (and then decorate it even bigger).

The Reign of the Big Bow

If there’s one defining motif of the season, it’s the big bow.  Not the dainty velvet ones carefully clipped to branches, but extravagant statement bows – think dramatic satin loops, sculptural organza, lush velvet ribbons and supersized proportions.  Home stylists and influencers alike have dubbed it the “present-wrapping effect”, making your home feel like the gift itself.  Bows are topping Christmas trees, adorning staircases, dressing wreaths and standing in as wall art.  The bigger, the better; the more unexpected the placement, the more editorial the look.  This is festive décor with fashion energy – feminine, bold and wonderfully theatrical.

Tinsel Is Back – and it’s FABULOUS

Ok this one excites me.  Once retired to the nostalgia archives (my childhood), tinsel has made a triumphant, unapologetic comeback.  And no, it’s not the dusty, slightly sad tinsel of yesteryear.  Today’s tinsel is luxe, thick. Metallic and designed to make a statement.  Designers are embracing it for its retro charm and undeniable sparkle, draping it generously on trees in layered, textured waves.  The trend leans into an elevated vintage aesthetic: think silver tinsel mixed with glass baubles, coloured lights and playful ornaments.  The result is joyful, glamorous and surprisingly chic – a celebration of a time when Christmas trees had personality.

Giant Nutcrackers: the new Outdoor Status Symbol

Move over, minimalist porch décor.  This year’s exteriors are dominated by giant Nutcrackers – some reaching over six feet tall – standing guard like festive soldiers of fortune.  Once considered whimsical, they’ve become a fully-fledged décor trend, with homeowners treating them as investment pieces that set the tone before guests even step inside.  Their oversized proportions tap into the larger movement toward theatrical holiday installations.  And indoors, mini versions line mantels and entryways, creating a sense of storytelling and tradition without feeling old-fashioned.

A Nod to 80’s Maximalism

There’s a clear throughline connecting all of 2025’s biggest décor trends: a nostalgic revival of 1980’s maximalism.  This is not about recreating the past but reinterpreting its spirit – playful excess, layered textures, bold colour choices and holiday décor that doesn’t take itself too seriously.  Expect jewel-toned ornaments, shimmering garlands, eclectic collections of keepsake baubles and unapologetically full Christmas trees.  Homes look lived-in and loved, rather than curated to perfection.  It’s festive chaos in the best possible way.

The Joyful Truth

In a year where people are craving more warmth, whimsy and nostalgia, the maximalist Christmas comeback makes perfect sense.  This season invites you to embrace abundance: brighter lights, bigger bows, bolder décor, louder sparkle and deeper sentiment.  Christmas 2025 isn’t about restraint – it’s about celebrating, remembering and decorating with your whole heart. 

After all, more really is MERRIER.