{"id":10534,"date":"2024-12-02T15:10:28","date_gmt":"2024-12-02T15:10:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/?p=10534"},"modified":"2024-12-04T15:10:31","modified_gmt":"2024-12-04T15:10:31","slug":"gonk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/inspiration\/gonk\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a gonk? All you need to know about the Christmas trend"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The gonk is a growing Christmas trend that first appeared on our Insta feeds in 2020 – and the festive characters have been absolutely everywhere since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From wizard-like dolls to gonk bedding and mugs – they’ve found their way across a range of products. But first things first, what is a gonk?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a gonk?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here in the UK, a gonk is rather like a festive gnome, but the history of gonks stems back to Nordic and Scandinavian mythology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some may mistake them for a funny little Father Christmas inspired character (which is understandable, thanks to their long beards and pointy hats), they weren’t originally a Christmas character. <\/p>

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Inspired by the gnomes and hobgoblins of Scandinavian myths and legends, according to folklore, these little creatures favour colder weather and like to cosy up in houses – where, if the family welcome them and treat them kindly, they will bring good luck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if the family are not kind, or disrespect the gonk’s home, the bearded characters are said to become mischievous – playing tricks and causing havoc for their humans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why are they so popular? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With their nose and beard poking out of their tall pointy hats, they’re super cute and who doesn\u2019t love a bit of magical folklore at Christmas?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, popping them on the Christmas tree or around the house will make it feel extra warm and inviting – and that’s before the tales of bringing good luck!<\/p>

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Photo: The Range<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What do they have to do with Christmas? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although, with their beards, gonks look a lot like mini Nordic style Father Christmas,\u2019 they\u2019re actually not technically Christmas decorations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, over the years they\u2019ve been woven into Christmas tales and now they’ve found themselves a big part of the festive period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s also a tradition of leaving out a bowl of porridge for them over the winter solstice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instagram star Stacey Solomon<\/a> is a huge fan and calls one from her vast collection \u2018Norman\u2019 – a name which perfectly suits their gnome-like appearance.<\/p>

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Lots of high street stores have jumped on the band-wagon and now sell Christmas honks, including The Range<\/a>, Aldi and Matalan, which all come with a reasonable price tag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is the difference between a gonk and a gnome?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the two can be easily confused, a gnome has German origins, dates to around the 1800s and was traditionally made from clay (they only became more widely made out of plastic in the 1960s). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, gonks are more commonly made from wool, fabric and felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, although gnomes are also meant to bring good luck, Scandinavian gonks date back far earlier – first referenced in around the 1600s.<\/p>

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How to style your gonk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gonks make for the perfect festive ornament to fill any awkward gap in your home this Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s how to style them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cosy up your bedroom by styling up a festive corner with a cosy blanket, some festive decorations and of course, a gonk!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place one either side of a fireplace to make it a standout feature in your living room<\/p>

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Style up your porch and create a warm welcome this Christmas with a standing gonk<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Group three together that are different heights to create your own little family!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Display one or two under your Christmas tree to hide the base of the tree as well as adding some festive cheer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you get an Easter gonk too? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes! Recent years have seen Easter gonks popping up with pastel hats and flowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add them to your Easter tablescapes<\/a> or even in an Easter wreath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Halloween gonks started popping up everywhere over the last few years too \u2013 here are some of our favourites<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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