Christmas Gonks - The Christmas Trend of 2021 We Didn't See Coming

Okay fess up – how many of you have one of these quirky little weirdos hanging out in your Christmas set-up? They are Christmas Gonks AKA Christmas Gnomes and they are here to stay, and slay Christmas 2021!

First things first, what the heck is a Christmas Gonk anyway?

He’s a festive little fella – a Scandinavian gnome in fact and considered to be a Nordic-like interpretation of Santa Claus. Gonks are meant to protect the home throughout the festive season which is more than we can say for that ar$ehole Elf on the Shelf.

Christmas Gonks — Source: Online Party Supplies

They aren’t a new thing at all – they’ve been around for yonks and Scandinavian kids will often leave out a snack for the Gonk on Christmas Eve. Christmas Gonks don’t like biscuits though – they like a bowl of porridge and butter.

Gonks are kind of cute too – they only have their funny button nose poking out of their large pointy hat. They typically also have a long beard and festive clothes on.

Some sit, some stand, some hang on Christmas trees. You can get them in all shapes and sizes too but most are a little on the curvier side.

Where to find your own group of Gonks?

Pretty much anywhere! These guys are super popular. Big W and Kmart have Christmas gonks starting at $8.00 but you can also find them at Aldi, Spotlight, Target, Pillow Talk, Amazon, Online Party Supplies, Pottery Barn, eBay, Etsy, Catch.com.au plus most specialty Christmas stores too.

I’ve got my gonks. Now, where do I put them?

That’s the fun thing about Christmas gnomes – you’ve got lots of options on where they sit or stand. Many people will place a Greeting Gronk outside or near the front entrance. You can also place them in the window so they are looking outside.

Christmas gnomes also look pretty cute lined up in a row or even sitting on a mantel. They tend to enjoy travelling in pairs or trios. The more gonks, the better!

Place either one on the side of a fireplace to make it a standout feature in your living room or have them standing next to the Christmas tree. You can also get Christmas Gonk garlands, stockings, pillows and tree toppers too.

So. Many. Gonk. Options.

More Christmas decorations we need in our lives

In addition to a Christmas gonk, here are a few other Christmasy trends we’re seeing over and over again this year:

Christmas Pillows (and Bedding too)

And not just for the living room either! Christmas Pillows are coming in hot in every room of the house, including the bedroom. Looks like Santa is getting an up close and personal view of whose been naughty or nice this year…

The Snowy Alaskan Tree

It’s the must-have tree of the year – the humble pre-lit Balsam Hill which stands at 7ft tall and will set you back $229, if you can actually snag one.

Flower Trees

Tinsel and baubles? So last year! This year it’s all about the flower tree trend. And I can’t say I hate it. Floral and festive – a great combination!

Kmart Low Voltage Red Lantern

Another best-seller is the $65 Santa Lantern from Kmart. It’s tall, solar-powered and features a snow-globe effect of Santa with falling snow. This was a super popular item last year too and we’re pretty pleased to see it back for another year.

EPIC Advent Calendars

My kids still got the good ol’ $3 Cadbury advent calendars this year but I think they may be the only ones! Now, advent calendars are setting the bar crazy high with insane daily gifts and treats. And we’re not just talking about a tiny square of choccie people. Oh no! The advent calendar below, for example, from Tiffany & Co will set you back $180,000.

There’s also one from Haigh’s Chocolates for over $1,000. And The Body Shop’s popular advent calendar, which is massive, goes for $160. Check out some of our fave advent calendars from last year.