You might be wondering, "What is a Christmas ornament called?" If so, you are not alone! There are more kinds of Christmas ornaments coming out every year. From the classic angel to the more modern Santa Claus, there is a Christmas ornament out there for any taste. And whether you are looking to buy a Christmas tree ornament for yourself or as a gift for someone else, this article will help you decide. Before answering the question, you should learn about the history of Christmas ornaments. Many vintage ornaments, like the glass bead garlands, were highly decorative. They had cotton cords or wires to support the hollow mercury glass beads. The fragile glass composition of these items easily breaks after many years. The latest trends in ornaments are the ceramic and glass trees, which are typically more decorative than functional. Among the oldest popular ornament types, German kugels, date back to the 1850s. They featured a heavy glass structure holding fluted and shaped designs. Aside from a tree, there are figurine ornaments, which can also add character to a home. These ornaments are small figurines with a cap and are often made in the shape of Santa Claus or other inanimate objects. Historically, German paper animals, known as Dresden paper animals, were made as ornaments. Later, they became popular in many parts of Europe. These are the most common ornaments during the holiday season.