The Old-Fashioned Christmas Tree Tradition That Deserves A Comeback—It Looks Stunning

When it comes to sprucing up your home for the holidays, it's all too tempting to resort to the same decorations you use every single year. But why not try something new this time? There are plenty of Christmas décor trends that are dominating the 2025 holiday season, but if you want to try something less expected, here's your sign to opt for a flocked tree. As trends come and go, this is one old-fashioned holiday tradition that might be destined to make a comeback.

This dusted décor dates back to 19th-century Germany, when most people would cover their Christmas trees in a mix of cotton balls, corn flour, or shredded paper for a snowy, alpine effect. Eventually, thanks to the rise of store-bought kits, the look gained mainstream (and stateside) appeal during the middle of the 20th century. Today, flocked Christmas trees run the gamut from a light dusting to branches covered in manmade snow.

Look, it's been a minute since flocked Christmas trees were trendy. In fact, some designers think it's one of the outdated holiday décor designs to skip in 2025. However, you might disagree. Not only does this old-school idea transform your typical tree into a "wow" moment — yes, even without loads of ornaments — but it also delivers a winter wonderland feel straight to your living room. 

While there's more than one way to add these frosted features to your home, it's surprisingly easy to learn how to flock your own Christmas tree. A favorite technique is to use a cheese grater to shave several bars of white, unscented soap. Once you grate all your soap — 10 bars is typically sufficient for a five-foot-tall tree — you'll want to add one cup of water for every cup of soap flakes. Simply whisk the soap and water together until you get a whipped consistency and apply it to your branches with a paintbrush. Maximalists can up the ante with a few drops of essential oil or a sprinkling of glitter.

Looking for something simpler? You can opt for a pre-made mix. Nowadays, you can buy faux snowflakes, like this Let it Snow powder, that'll be a dead-ringer for the real deal. Just add water and watch a wintry escape form before your eyes. There are also aerosol options, like this Prextex fake snow spray, that make flocking your tree as easy as, say, coating your curls in hairspray.

If DIY projects aren't your strength, don't worry: You can always buy a flocked artificial Christmas tree. In fact, many flocked faux trees also come pre-lit to make setup even easier. To streamline your search, big-box retailers like Target, Amazon, and Home Depot are considered the best places to buy artificial Christmas trees. Regardless of which method you choose, you'll be one step closer to rocking around the Christmas tree in style.