There’s something special about opening the Christmas decorations each year. A favorite ornament brings back a memory. A strand of lights makes an ordinary corner feel magical. And somewhere between unpacking the familiar pieces and discovering something new, the season begins to take shape.
How do you want your home to feel this Christmas? Breezy and coastal? Soft and snowy? Playful, nostalgic, or filled with traditional holiday warmth?
Explore some of our Christmas themes at our McDonald Garden Center Christmas Shoppe to find the colors, textures, and little details that feel like you.
Coastal Virginia: Christmas by the Water
Bring a little of Virginia’s coastal charm into your holiday decorating with a look inspired by quiet shorelines, sandy beaches, and life along the water.
Think soft blues, sea-glass greens, sandy neutrals, and touches of pearly white. Pair coastal ornaments with natural textures and warm lights for a Christmas tree that feels like you’re sailing away. Shells, nautical friends like crabs and fish, and holiday boats can sit beautifully alongside treasured family decorations.
Try this: Weave iridescent ribbon through your greenery, then tuck in a few colorful shell ornaments. Repeat those colors on a nearby table or mantel to carry the coastal feeling throughout the room.
Snow Cloud: Soft, Airy, and Full of Wonder
Imagine the hush of a snowy morning, when everything feels a little softer. Snow Cloud captures that feeling with layers of white, gentle shimmer, and cloudlike textures.
Build the look with snowy branches, frosted ornaments, soft ribbon, and delicate snow fox and snowman details. Mixing matte white with clear and pearly finishes gives the display depth while keeping the palette light and peaceful.
Try this: Gather white ornaments in several sizes and finishes, then add warm white lights for a soft glow. A few fluffy accents can give the tree that dreamy, fresh-snow feeling.
Pet Friendly: A Little Holiday Love for Your Favorite Companions
For many of us, Christmas wouldn’t feel complete without the pets who make our houses feel like home. This theme celebrates their place in the family with playful details and personal touches.
This theme is full of felt keepsakes that remind you of your own furry companions. Mix them into your favorite holiday colors, or give them a small display of their own. A personalized ornament can become a decoration you look forward to unpacking every year.
Try this: Create a little pet-themed moment on a shelf with a favorite photo and an ornament that looks like your companion. Or gift a look-a-like to your loved ones! It’s a sweet way to include every member of the family in your Christmas traditions.
Merry & Bright: Vintage Charm with a Sugary Twist
If your favorite Christmas memories involve baking cookies, colorful decorations, and a little extra frosting, Merry & Bright might be your perfect match.
This theme pairs vintage Christmas charm with playful pinks and cookie-inspired ornaments. Picture rosy baubles, gingerbread shapes, frosted-cookie details, and nostalgic touches that feel straight out of a well-loved holiday kitchen.
Layer blush and brighter pinks with cheerful pops of red, then mix shiny ornaments with whimsical baking details. There’s plenty of room for personality here, and for the pieces that make you smile.
Try this: Group cookie ornaments near pink baubles and loops of ribbon so the colors and shapes play off one another. Carry the theme into the kitchen with a small tabletop tree or a festive display beside the cookie jar.
Classic Christmas: Timeless Holiday Warmth
Rich reds, deep greens, and a touch of gold, Classic Christmas brings together the details so many of us look forward to year after year.
Red and Green, traditional ornaments, warm lights, and full greenery create a welcoming backdrop for family traditions. This is a natural home for collected keepsakes, from a child’s handmade ornament to a decoration passed down through generations. Velvet adds softness, metallic accents catch the light, and a familiar wreath at the front door sets the mood before guests even step inside.
Try this: Choose one favorite ribbon to repeat on your tree, wreath, and mantel. That simple thread of color helps bring the room together while leaving space for all your meaningful decorations.
Find the Christmas Style That Feels Like You
You don’t have to choose just one theme. Coastal Virginia’s soft blues can blend beautifully with Snow Cloud’s wintry whites. Pet-inspired ornaments can find a home among classic greenery, while a Merry & Bright kitchen can bring a playful touch to your holiday decorating.
Start with the pieces you love, choose a few colors to repeat, and build from there. Plus, we have even more themes to discover this year at our stores. To stay inspired and grow with us online, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to explore more gardening tips and ideas.