Christmas in the Summer: Why We're Already Talking About the Holidays (And What Market Says Is Coming in 2026)

I know...It's summer. The kids are out of school, the grill is probably getting more use than your oven, and you're hopefully spending more time outside than thinking about Christmas decorations. So why in the world are we talking about the holidays already?

Because that's exactly what the design industry is doing.

One of the fun parts of what we do is getting to see what's coming long before it ever shows up in stores or starts filling your social media feeds. At Market, manufacturers are already introducing their holiday collections, giving us a glimpse into what Christmas 2026 is going to look like. And this year's direction feels a little different.

It's emotional. If I had to sum up this year's holiday trends in one word, it would be nostalgia.

We're seeing a strong return to the traditions many of us grew up with. The kind of Christmas that feels warm, familiar, and filled with memories. Instead of chasing the newest color palette or the next decorating trend, this season is leaning into the things that have quietly made the holidays feel special for generations.

And I think people are ready for that.

Life moves fast. Technology changes constantly. We're all juggling busy schedules, endless notifications, and calendars that somehow seem fuller every year. The holidays have become a chance to slow down for a minute, gather the people we love, and reconnect with traditions that remind us what the season is really about.

And the design world seems to be embracing that feeling right along with us. One of the biggest shifts we're seeing is a move back toward maximalism for the holidays. For several years, Christmas decorating leaned much more minimal. Simple trees. Neutral palettes. Clean lines. And while those styles are still beautiful, this year we're seeing people embrace decorating with a little more abundance. More ribbon, garland, ornaments, and layers. In short, more personality.

Trees are feeling fuller. Mantels are becoming more collected. Tables are layered with beautiful linens, candles, greenery, and heirloom pieces that tell a story. The decorating doesn't feel cluttered—it feels generous. Like every ribbon, every ornament, and every wreath has a purpose and a memory attached to it.

We're also seeing the return of some familiar favorites.

Tinsel is making a comeback, but in a much more elevated way than many of us remember. Beautiful wired ribbons are everywhere. Tartan plaids are showing up on everything from stockings to table runners. Traditional reds and greens are confidently stepping back into the spotlight after years of softer, more muted holiday palettes.

And I have to admit... I kind of love seeing classic Christmas colors again. There's something comforting about them. They don't need to be reinvented because they never really stopped feeling like Christmas.

Natural materials continue to play a huge role as well. Fresh greenery, wood, woven textures, pinecones, dried citrus, and natural elements are being layered with those more traditional colors to create holiday spaces that feel collected instead of overly polished. The result is a home that feels warm, welcoming, and lived in.

Another trend that really stood out to me is the growing appreciation for artisan-made holiday décor. People are looking for pieces that have a story. Hand-painted ornaments, handmade pottery, custom-sewn table runners. Artisan-crafted wooden pieces and wreaths made by local makers. Decorations that don't feel mass-produced but instead carry the personality of the person who created them.

I think that's such a beautiful direction. Not only does it support local artists and small businesses, but it also creates homes that feel more personal. Those handcrafted pieces often become the decorations that get unpacked year after year because they hold memories, not just because they match the color scheme.

And isn't that really what holiday decorating is about? Creating memories.

One of the things I found most interesting viewing Market previews wasn't necessarily the products themselves—it was the feeling they were trying to create. Holiday trends are unique because they're shaped as much by emotion as they are by design. People don't decorate for Christmas simply because something is trendy. They decorate because it reminds them of family dinners around the table. Of grandparents' homes and decorating the tree with siblings. Of favorite ornaments collected over decades and the traditions passed down from one generation to the next.

Design becomes the backdrop for those moments. That's why we're seeing garlands draped over staircases again. Wreaths hanging throughout the house instead of just on the front door. Dining tables layered and ready for family gatherings. Cozy throws, candlelight, warm textures, and spaces that invite people to sit down, stay awhile, and simply enjoy being together.

The products coming out this year aren't just beautiful. They're creating opportunities for connection. And I think that's why this year's holiday direction feels so refreshing.

It's less about creating the most perfectly styled Christmas home and more about creating a home that people want to gather in. Because when the decorations come down and another holiday season is behind us, no one is going to remember whether your ribbon was tied perfectly or your ornaments were color coordinated. They're going to remember laughing around the table. Watching Christmas movies under a favorite blanket. Baking cookies with the kids. Opening ornaments that have been in the family for years. Listening to stories that somehow get told every single Christmas. Those are the traditions that matter. Those are the moments that become memories.

And if the trends we're seeing at Market are any indication, Christmas 2026 is reminding us of something we've probably known all along...the most beautiful holiday homes aren't the ones with the most decorations.

They're the ones filled with the most love.