Thankful For Christmas – 10 Tips

My neighbor got started early this year decorating her lawn with reindeer, lights, and blinking gift boxes.  It looks really nice.  It made me wonder if I was okay seeing Christmas decorations  2 weeks BEFORE Thanksgiving.  I decided I didn’t mind at all.  I know many may think differently, but I love the Christmas season so much, I don’t mind stretching it out and making it as long as possible.  After all, aren’t we all “thankful” for the birth of a Baby born in Bethlehem thousands of years ago?

So, if you are like my neighbor and ready to  deck your halls with Christmas cheer, here are 10 tips, in no particular order, for you to consider.

Decide on a color scheme early. And remember that everything doesn’t have to be red or green.
Plan ahead so that you are not caught off guard.  Even though the holidays arrive at the same time every year, so many people seem surprised when the holidays actually arrive.
You don’t have to buy new decorations. Remember to reuse, repurpose and recycle last year’s decorations.  Just use them in a different way by placing them in a different room.
To save money, call a friend or family member and exchange decorations for a fresh look without spending money.
Place your decorations in strategic places to create eye appealing focal points in high traffic areas.
Remember that everything you packed away last year may not be operable this year.  Take a day to go through all of your decorations and make sure all the lights work and the bulbs for your candles have not been damaged, etc.
Don’t assume the batteries in your “junk drawer” will work.  Purchase a new batch of batteries.  Don’t mix old and new batteries.
Think outside the box and be unpredictable.  Your relatives that visit during the holidays want to see something different.  Be creative and use your decorations in different rooms in your home.  This will remove the desire to buy new decorations.
Try not to compete with your neighbors’ outdoor decorations.  It is tempting to try to hang one more wreath more than your neighbor, but resist.  Decorate the outside of your home with what works for you.
Enjoy the decorating process. But, if you don’t feel like decorating this year, then don’t. The decorations are not what make Christmas special.  You may simply want to take time enjoy the holiday and all that it truly represents with your family and friends.  Remember the reason for the season.