Facts About Glass Ornaments

Ornaments are a huge part of trimming the tree for the holidays. From that little ornament you made years ago in preschool to the one you picked up on your last family vacation, chances are you probably have enough ornaments to cover the tree.

The First Glass Ornaments

Mass-produced glass ornaments did not become popular until the mid-1800s. Initially replicating fruits, nuts and other food items, they soon expanded to more complex shapes, such as hearts and stars. These shapes had originally been created in homes using firm cookies. Queen Victoria’s interest in the ornaments made them all the rage in the United Kingdom, a fad that eventually spread to the U.S.

F.W. Woolworth was one of the first American retailers to import German glass ornaments in the 1880s. Ten years later, he was selling $25 million worth of them at his five-and-dime stores.

Current Popularity

According to Hallmark, 88 percent of consumers that celebrate the holidays decorate a Christmas tree. Here are the top five reasons for buying and displaying Christmas ornaments:

1. Commemorate a milestone
2. Recall a special memory
3. Represent a child or grandchild on the tree
4. Pass along the ornaments as heirlooms
5. Express an individual’s personality

While most glass ornaments are made of clear glass with paint, many are decorated with other items that are difficult to recycle, such as sequins, glitter and other small decorations. Check with your local recycler to see if they accept these items. Donating them to a charitable organization is a great way to recycle your ornaments as well.