Christmas Decorating in the Traditional Style

Decorating our homes for Christmas is a tradition. There are lights tor the outside of the home, lights for the Christmas tree, lawn decorations that light up, and Santa and his reindeer for the roof as well as the many ornaments and lights for the tree.

There are a number of decorative choices to make. At this time, of the year, everyone wants their home to look beautiful. To make sure your decorating is not done in a haphazard way or looks disjointed, you need to decide on whether you will have a specific theme or whether you want just a traditional Christmas feeling.

The focal point is usually the Christmas tree with its special ornaments, lights, and garland. Christmas trees can be artificial or live and can be placed inside or outside the house. If the tree is placed outside, it should be situated in an area that is suitably lit to maximize its visual appeal.

Decorating the Christmas tree inside the house is usually a family affair. Each member of the family takes part in placing the ornaments, lights, and tinsel on the tree. Treasured keepsake ornaments are placed on the tree each year. This creates a special memory at Christmas each year.

The following components make up the traditional decorations used at Christmas:

Wreaths and Garland

Wreaths are used to decorate the door at the entrance to the home or they can be placed in an area inside the home that does not have an obstructed view. There are several types of wreaths you can purchase for your home:

The berry wreath has individual and small clusters of red berries and holly leaves with features like a gold tint, pine cones, and needles.

The grapevine wreath has a vine-like look and may have pine sprigs and clusters of red berries.

The Poinsettia wreath has red leaves or leaves that are different shades of red and may have glittered fruits such as pear, apple, or grape clusters throughout its structure. Depending on the size of the wreath, it may also have large or small pine cones, pine sprigs, and holly leaves.

Snow wreaths have an icy look. Pine cones are sprinkled or covered with snow and scattered throughout the wreath.

Garland is also a traditional favorite. It is used primarily to decorate stairways, banisters, and mantels. There are also variations in the garland you can buy. Some are plain. Some have twinkling lights and tiny ornaments or tinsel to give off a sparkle.

Christmas Lights

Christmas lights come in various sizes and colors. Some twinkle and some do not. You can purchase lights in single strands or multiple strands. There are also lights that look like icicles. Christmas lights can be strung around the roof line, in shrubs, placed at windows to form different patterns, or placed on patios and porches. And, do not forget the lights for the Christmas tree and uses inside the house.

Christmas Plants

Poinsettias are the traditional Christmas flower with their bright red leaves. They can be placed wherever it is suitable to put a plant. Amaryllis are also used as Christmas plants.

Other Decorations

Traditional decorations have included figures for the lawn. Usually, it was a nativity scene. Now, there are so many different items to choose from. You can get a lighted Santa, candy canes, or reindeer, and so on. The number of items you use on your lawn is dependent on your personal taste.

Inside the house, aside from the Christmas tree, stockings are hung on mantles, shelves, or walls. The stockings can be full or empty. Mistletoe is hung from the ceiling so that when friends walk under it, they are given a friendly hug or kiss.

If you live in an area where there is snow in winter, you may be lucky enough to have a "white Christmas." You and the family can put on warm clothing and go outside and build a snowman. This is always a welcome sight at Christmas time.

Some people decorate according to themes. This can be a white tree with silver ornaments or the use of one color or type of ornament on the tree. The theme could be apples or pears or whatever suits the person. Usually themes are decided on before the year ends so that the decorations can be purchased during the after Christmas sales.

Whatever you decide, your Christmas decorating style should be one that is uniquely yours. It should express the feelings you have for this particular day.