Scrolling social feeds reveals a relentless parade of fireplace mantels draped in plaid and velvet, clusters of vintage nutcrackers beneath dark-wood shelves, and tablescapes positively roaring with holiday maximalism. Much of the aesthetic is rooted in nostalgia for the 1990s—a time when American opulence and the heirloom “good Christmas” felt accessible and aspirational at the same time.
The style’s core motifs—a roaring fire, deep jewel tones, layers of texture—evoke not just designer luxury, but memories of grandparents’ houses and TV holiday specials. In a jittery economy, the comfort found in ritual, tradition, and a whiff of elegance conjuring “old money” (another breakout search term) feels especially magnetic.
No matter where it’s sourced, the Ralph Lauren Christmas is less about brand names and more about atmosphere. The Ralph Lauren Christmas of 2025 owes as much to nostalgia and the ingenuity of ordinary Americans as it does to Madison Avenue—proof that with enough fairy lights, brass-look candlesticks, and dollar-store tartan ribbon, anyone can conjure up a bit of ‘90s opulent holiday magic.
