- Christmas decorations add color, life and cheer to your environment.christmas wreath image by Christopher Ursitti from Fotolia.com
Christmas is a time of warmth and celebration, even if the weather outdoors is chilly, or downright cold. Among your favorite childhood memories may be the sight of Christmas decorations--on city streets, in shops and malls, at friends' and neighbors' houses, and, of course, at home. You may even treasure thoughts of having helped to decorate your home. Most Christmas decorating traditions date back centuries and can be adapted to nearly any home or office environment. These time-tested ideas are sure to give your guests a feeling of instant welcome. After all, 'tis the season. ... - Nothing says Christmas cheer like a brightly colored wreath.christmas wreath image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
Christmas wreaths are among the most easily identifiable symbols of Christmas. Their history dates back to 16th-century Germany. Today, you can find ready-made wreaths or make them yourself of pine branches, ribbon and wire. Some wreaths are elaborately decked out with ornaments and other elements. You can also find wreaths made of synthetic pine-look material or even of tinsel. You can hang them indoors, outdoors or at your office cubicle (if company policy allows). - Holly's festive color will enchant visitors and passers-by.holly image by david purday from Fotolia.com
Ancient Romans used holly to celebrate the god Saturn. Christians later adopted this practice to celebrate Christ. These days, you can find premade decorative holly arrangements, or you can purchase holly plants and create your own designs. The brilliant red of holly berries is perfectly set off by the vivid green of its spiky leaves. Adding them to your decorations can help buoy even the most jaded spirit. - Mistletoe invokes romance, whether used in doorways, on a tabletop or in flower arrangements.Mistel image by reises from Fotolia.com
In ancient times, warring factions who convened beneath mistletoe would be obliged to call a truce. During the 18th century, custom required that a couple that found itself beneath a sprig of mistletoe must kiss. Ever since, mistletoe has been a source of holiday fun. Even if you don't subscribe to the romantic tradition, this delicate-looking plant can enhance your holiday table, stairway wall or other design. You can also include mistletoe in holiday bouquets or corsages. An ideal complement to the poinsettia, or holly, it is versatile as a decorative element. - Nothing can surpass the sheer brilliance of tinsel for home or office decorating.tinsel image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com
In Germany of old, tinsel was originally made of real silver. These days most tinsel is synthetic. It is often draped about the traditional Christmas tree. However, you can also find wreaths, ceiling hangings, and tabletop and other decorations that incorporate the brilliance of tinsel. Try featuring tinsel in a wall hanging or draping it along the staircase or mantelpiece. Take care, of course, that the mantelpiece will not grow hot enough to ignite the synthetic material. - Brightly colored lights signal Christmastime to most Americans.Christmas Lights image by Vanessa van Rensburg from Fotolia.com
Lights were originally meant to symbolize the light of Christ. Nowadays, Christmas enthusiasts are known to festoon their houses, yards and trees and even to create entire objects with lights. You don't have to go such lengths, but lights can add color and brilliance to the Christmas tree, doorway or window decor, as well as to outdoor fencing, borders--even shrubbery. Try using assorted colors--or go monotone, using only blue, red or green lights. Once again, precautions to preclude igniting lighted objects--especially trees and shrubs--must be taken. - Whether heirloom or straight from the box, Christmas ornaments are a mainstay of holiday decorating.christmas ornament image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
Christmas, it seems, would not be complete without ornaments for the tree, mantelpiece, wall or tabletop arrangement. The most common is the globe shape, but you can also find cubes, squares and tubular designs. Try using a cluster of them on a single branch to create visual interest. Or group ornaments by color with holly or mistletoe for a festive wall hanging. Festoon stairways with them. You can use ornaments to top off box gift decorations.
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