The paper chain Christmas decoration began in Victorian Britain. Although popular since Victorian times the paper chain became increasing popular in the austere post war years and into the 1950’s, as they are cheap and easy to make.
The making of paper chains is so simple it can be a great pre Christmas past time for youngsters. The chain is made by cutting out coloured paper lengths and then glued into an oval. The next in the chain loops through the prior one before gluing. Chains by their nature can be as short or as long as needed. In Britain the chain was often run from each corner of the room to the central light fitting and allowed to hang or bow a little. Tinsel could be hung from them for added effect. As it is possible to make chains of any length they could also be trailed down banisters, around wall mounted mirrors and pictures or simply draped around the tree. It seems that in those days before health and safety conscientiousness the hanging of flammable paper from ceilings was accepted as the norm!