Although the word may sound a bit Germanic, we actually have the French to thank for the word tinsel, derived from an Old French word for sparkle or glimmer. Originally, tinsel was created from extruded strands of real silver, but the metal tarnished quickly and soon fell out of favor. Other metals were also used to create decorative strands of tinsel, although it was more likely to be found adorning a sculpture than a Christmas tree before the 16th century.

Strands of sparkling tinsel were often added to early Christmas trees to accent the glow of lit candles or to recreate the starry sky over the Nativity. Because of its expense and fragility, metallic tinsel was used sparingly as a decoration. Individual strands may have been incorporated into larger wreaths or woven into ornaments. Only the wealthiest citizens would have been able to afford entire garlands of tinsel to wrap around the branches of their Christmas trees.

Advances in manufacturing eventually made it possible to produce cheaper aluminum-based tinsel in substantial quantities. By the early 20th century, most homeowners could afford to incorporate tinsel garlands, as well as individual pieces of tinsel known as icicles. During the 1950s, the use of tinsel garlands and icicles nearly overshadowed the use of Christmas lights on many live trees.

Artificial Christmas trees with branches covered in tinsel also came into vogue, although the aluminized paper used to create the tinsel was often flammable. The heat from traditional Christmas lights often created fires, so special "color wheels" were used to project colored lighting onto the Christmas tree. Modern Christmas lights no longer generate as much heat, and much of the tinsel sold today is made from extruded polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Decorators are now free to use tinsel garlands and icicles on lighted trees without concerns over flammability.

The popularity of tinsel as a Christmas tree decoration wanes from time to time. Some homeowners with small pets, especially cats, have discovered that tinsel strands can be irresistible but indigestible temptations. Many a cat owner has discovered evidence of their pet's indiscretions following a trip to the litter box. While tinsel is considered non-toxic, it can create a few health problems if ingested and not eliminated. Individual strands of icicle tinsel can also prove problematic after the Christmas tree has been taken down. Tinsel remnants may have to swept up by hand before a vacuum cleaner can be used safely.

Tinsel garlands are often wrapped around the individual branches of a Christmas tree after the lights have been added but before ornaments are placed. Individual strands of icicle tinsel could be placed carefully on the tips of the branches or gently blown onto the tree with a few puffs. There is often a tendency to overdo the icicle tinsel, so small children should be encouraged to adopt a "less is more" philosophy before coating the entire Christmas tree in icicle tinsel. The bottom portion of the tree can be sprayed with a bitter apple pet deterrent to prevent accidental ingestion.