A powerful wave of nostalgia is transforming British living rooms this festive season, with social media platform TikTok at the heart of a major aesthetic shift. The app has reported a 100% increase in Christmas decor videos over the past 12 months, with a particular emphasis on cosy, retro styles that evoke memories of decades past.
The #90sChristmas Takeover: Tinsel, VHS and Homemade Ornaments
For a generation of younger users, the festive look of choice is firmly rooted in the 1990s. The hashtag #90sChristmas has amassed over 8,000 videos, celebrating a distinctive aesthetic that includes multicoloured fairy lights, deep burgundy drapes, and homemade felt tree decorations. A standout post, with nearly 4 million views, even features VHS tapes of seasonal classics like Home Alone, starring Macaulay Culkin.
Trend forecasters and interior experts agree this movement is more than just a style choice. Hugh Metcalf, editor of Livingetc.com, notes that the appeal lies in a collective search for comfort and stability. "These are not super-contemporary looks," Metcalf explains. "It's a search for comfort from yesteryear when things right now are a bit more uncertain. It's appealing to personal histories and our sense of emotion."
From Ralph Lauren to 'Opulent Antiquity': The Broader Nostalgia Wave
While the 90s are having a major moment, they are not the only source of inspiration. An even more popular trend this year is the 'Ralph Lauren Christmas', which riffs on the designer's signature opulence with rich wooden panelling, green tartan prints, and deep, luxurious colours. TikTok is full of budget-friendly tips for achieving this high-end look.
According to consumer trend firm WGSN, this represents a broader push for "new classic iterations and traditional vibes". Cassandra Gagnon, a WGSN strategist, describes it as "cross-generational nostalgia", manifesting in cosy knits, windowsill candles, and bannister garlands. For those looking further back, WGSN also identifies a trend for "opulent antiquity", featuring velvet stockings and tree skirts, with terms like "Little Women Christmas" gaining traction on the platform.
Cinematic Influence and the Ultimate Soundtrack
The nostalgia extends to festive film favourites, with a reappraisal of Nancy Meyers' interiors in films like The Holiday (2006). The #NancyMeyersAesthetic hashtag boasts over 35,000 videos, with a Christmas focus on warm, inviting rooms that complement the overall retro mood.
However, when it comes to setting the musical tone for the season, another decade claims victory. The data shows that the most searched Christmas song on TikTok this month is the ultimate 80s classic: Wham!'s 'Last Christmas', proving that when it comes to festive feels, the past is very much the present.
