These Are the Major Holiday Trends for 2020

'Tis the season for holiday decorating, and few places supply more seasonal inspiration than Etsy and Pinterest. "While there is definitely some consistency in annual holiday trends, Etsy sellers are constantly reinventing holiday staples with new, creative trends emerging each year," says Dayna Isom Johnson, trend expert at Etsy. "For example, this year, non-traditional advent calendars are taking hold, with options like pet treat and wine advent calendars spiking in searches."

And since the 2020 holiday season will be like no other in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Swasti Sarna, insights manager at Pinterest, says the trends have adjusted accordingly. "This year, excitement for the holidays started earlier than ever, with pinners shopping for 'Christmas gifts' three times more than the prior year, and in April instead of June," she explains. "They are also looking to celebrate through virtual holiday parties and spread cheer while staying in with rising searches for exterior decorations such as 'holiday door hangers.'"

Curious what other holiday trends are currently making major waves on Etsy and Pinterest? We asked Johnson and Sarna to give as the inside scoop, and they definitely didn't disappoint.

Design-Friendly Games

With shoppers spending more time at home, Johnson says searches for games and puzzles have been on the rise throughout the year, and the holiday season is no exception. "Etsy sellers are offering modern takes on everything from board games to decks of cards and puzzles, making them the ultimate holiday gift," she says. "And with an added emphasis on design, these games are not only perfect for the whole family to enjoy, but can also double as decorative accents."

Festive Finger Foods

With smaller gatherings this year, Sarna says pinners are finding ways to offer small bites that can satisfy diverse palettes. "Searches for 'Thanksgiving charcuteries board ideas' are 20 times greater than last year, while searches for 'Christmas grazing board' are four times greater," she explains. "Some popular items added are fig butter, squash, waffle bites, and pomegranate wedges."

Sustainable Gifting

The holidays can be one of the most wasteful times of the year, and Johnson says that there has already been a 53 percent increase in searches for "eco-friendly gifts" and a 70 percent increase in searches for "eco-friendly gift wrap." "Shoppers are prioritizing sustainable gifts that reduce their impact on the planet," she explains.

Handmade Holiday Traditions

Due to stay-at home guidelines and social distancing practices, Sarna says Pinners are especially interested in DIY ideas that provide entertainment and peace of mind. "DIY projects are holding strong through the holidays, with searches for 'DIY holiday ideas' at thirty times greater this year," she explains. "Pinners are looking for ideas that are not only fun to make but great to give as gifts such as 'holiday soap' and 'holiday candy recipes.'"

Homespun Holiday Décor

Thanks to nostalgia-inspired fashion and décor movements, such as all-things cabin-inspired, Johnson says pastoral aesthetics and activities have taken hold of the 2020 holiday season. "This year, shoppers are opting for holiday décor that is reminiscent of a time before technology, and that emphasizes simpler pleasures, such as baking and crafting," she explains. "We have seen a 16 percent increase in searches for crochet, knit, or embroidered ornaments and an 18 percent increase in searches for holiday quilts." Johnson says another standout trend that's reemerging from the past is incorporating citrus into holiday decorating. "Searches for citrus décor are up 126 percent," she adds.

Holiday Bedroom Décor

As we continue to spend more time indoors, Sarna says searches for bedroom decorating ideas are more popular than ever. "Pinners wanted to create a calming and cheerful space during the holiday season, and 'holiday bedroom' searches are 20 times greater than last year," she explains. "Popular decor items Pinners are adding include 'Scandinavian Christmas trees' which pose a simple and modern look, or 'gold holiday décor' which brighten and add cheer."

Greeting Cards

In an increasingly automated world, Johnson says traditional greeting cards offer a thoughtful, yet low-effort option to show appreciation for loved ones. "On Etsy, we've already seen a 73 percent increase in searches for greeting cards and 23 percent increase in searches for holiday cards," she explains. "People are looking for creative, social distancing-approved ways to stay in touch with friends and family."