The 2025 holiday season isn’t just about cozy candlelight and curated minimalism; it’s about throwing it back to the golden era of oversized tinsel, multicolored lights, and joyful nostalgia. Across social platforms, especially TikTok, the hashtag #90sChristmas has exploded in popularity as families and decorators embrace the fun, vibrant aesthetic of Christmases past.
After years of sleek and subdued interiors, 2025 marks a cultural shift toward comfort, familiarity, and expressive holiday cheer. The #90sChristmas trend taps into this collective longing for simpler, kitschy, and joyful decor, the kind many of us remember from childhood. From VHS tapes of classic films like Home Alone tucked into displays to tangled strands of multicolored lights, this aesthetic is all about fun over formality.
This isn’t just a small TikTok blip; tens of thousands of posts and videos under #90sChristmas showcase everything from DIY paper chain garlands to throwback tinsel and retro wrapping styles. In a time when holiday gatherings and celebrating feels more meaningful than ever, this trend offers a festive escape into collective memory.
Here’s what makes the 90s holiday revival so joyful and iconic:
Multicolored Lights
Warm, blinking C7 and C9 bulbs bring instant cheer — bright, playful, and unapologetically festive.
Handmade Ornaments
Felt crafts, paper chains, and salt-dough stars turn “imperfect” into meaningful, memory-filled decor.
Chunky Tinsel
Bold, colorful tinsel everywhere — on trees, mantels, and shelves — for that classic deck-the-halls feel.
Kitschy Wrapping
Plaid paper, oversized bows, and fun motifs prioritize nostalgia over perfectly matched palettes.
Retro Holiday Props
VHS tapes, old records, and vintage figurines double as decor, adding personality and throwback charm.
The rise of #90sChristmas isn’t just aesthetic; it reflects a broader emotional shift. In an era of rapid technological change and world uncertainty, many people seek comfort in the familiar. Nostalgic decor lets us recreate joyful memories, reconnect with traditions, and bring a warm, lived-in feeling to our homes during the holidays.
Across generations, from millennials rekindling childhood traditions to Gen Z discovering these styles for the first time, this throwback trend has found wide appeal. It’s cheerful, inclusive, and rooted in playful self-expression rather than perfection.
Want to join the trend this year? Here are some easy ways to infuse your holiday decor with nostalgic energy:
Raid Attics & Storage Bins — Pull out old ornaments, lights, and accessories you haven’t used in years.
DIY with Family & Friends — Create paper chain garlands or salt dough ornaments as festive activities.
Mix Old and New — Blend cherished vintage pieces with fresh greenery for a balanced yet playful look.
Play 90s Holiday Music & Movies — Make the soundscape as retro as the visuals.
Create a Memory Wall or Corner — Display vintage cards, photos, and holiday memorabilia that tell your family’s story.
Whether you love it or find it a little chaotic, one thing is clear: Christmas 2025 has rediscovered its playful side. The #90sChristmas trend is more than a viral aesthetic it’s a joyful celebration of tradition, memory, and the rich, colorful spirit of the holidays.
