What are the Benefits of Having a Miniature Christmas Village in Your Home?
Christmas is a magical time that fills the air with joy and happiness. Every year I look forward to decorating my home for this season. And every year I look forward to the Christmas traditions we all enjoy. Recently, we discovered the joy of small Christmas villages in our house! If you are looking for Miniature Christmas Village ideas that will create special memories, then read on.
History of miniature Christmas villages
Small villages were built in the 1800s. They were created to recreate a small, working model of a town. Today, they are mostly used as Christmas decorations. Christmas miniature villages have been around for over 100 years and it is still unclear who first built them.
Most people believe that the first miniature village was built in 1904 by a German immigrant living in New York City named Edmund Schmid. He originally called his creation “Lilliputia.”
Another famous early Christmas village was created in 1935. Ruth Page was looking for ways to promote her business of importing china figurines from England. He found inspiration from the Ritz Carlton Hotel’s holiday window display. He then decided to create a small village and set up an old theater as his backdrop.
How to Make Your Own Christmas Miniature Village
Small villages are beautiful! You can display them in your living room or hallway. Plus, they make a great centerpiece for your Christmas decor. When you buy one, chances are you won’t find exactly what you want. So, putting together your own little village is the best option.
Different Styles of Christmas Villages
Of course, there are many different small villages that celebrate Christmas in different ways. Some have a more modern feel, with sleek and festive architecture. While others have an old-world feel, with small cottages and snowy landscapes.
Some examples of common types of Christmas miniature villages are:
Different Types of Christmas Miniature Villages
Christmas villages are an important part of the holiday season. They provide a bit of nostalgia and magic that puts you in the mood for Christmas. Here are some of the different types of villages you can buy.
1) Minimalist version – Simple and classic, these pared-back villages will complement any decor and have a timeless feel.
2) Plastic or resin models – These are usually higher quality and more expensive, but they are also stronger so they last longer. Look Lemax and Department 56
3) Wooden Christmas villages – If you like traditional, wooden Christmas villages are for you. Plus, they have fewer moving parts so they don’t break down as easily as others.
Handmade Christmas Cottages
These cute wooden cottages are perfect for a farmhouse, cottage feel. A more modern take on traditional Christmas Villages, these tiny houses Custom Quirky make a great Christmas centerpiece.
How to make a Christmas Village
- First, find a large flat surface where you can set up the village. A good place is at the base of your Christmas tree. Alternatively, a clear tabletop or dresser is a good idea.
- Next create a village base. A sheet of plywood is good. If you’re planning to include lighting in your village, you’ll want to cut some holes in the board. This will allow for cables to run through.
- Now add your snow! You can use a Snow Blanket Roll like this one for a slightly snowy effect. Or for softer snow, you can use something like this fake snow.
- Then, create several different levels so that all your buildings have different heights. Foam packing, books, or small boxes are great! Plus, you can move them around until you’re happy with how they look.
- Now you can add roads using Lemax cobble stone or paved road.
- And now you are in the best bit, building the village! Play around with putting buildings together until you find a layout that works.
- Finally add some figures to really bring your village to life.
7 Tips on How to Create a Beautiful Miniature Christmas Village
1. Add some artificial snow, glitter, and sparkles to your village.
2. Encourage children to play it by adding small figures that they can act out the pretend stories.
3. Start small and add to your miniature Christmas village little by little.
4. Include lots of fairy lights to give a really magical feel.
5. Add lots of plants for a festive feel.
6. Include some musical models.
7. Stick to a theme.
Miniature Christmas Village ideas – Final Note
Remember, the most important thing is to create a village that you like. If you take care of the models, they can be set year after year. And a model village is a great memory builder for children. I still remember the models my Grandma used to set up every holiday season.
For more simple Christmas tradition ideas, please see all of our favorites here.
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About the Author
Jane Sheriff is the founder, creative director, party planner and mother of three. She started Darling Celebrations in 2012 to share easy and beautiful ideas for celebrating life’s special events.
