Christmas Tree Topper Ornaments

From my childhood memories, pride of place on the top of Christmas tree always went to a fairy dressed in white. Or was it an angel? No, I'm sure it was the Christmas fairy; and she was usually last to go on the tree apart from the tinsel. One thing for sure, it was always after the other tree ornaments such as the hanging balls.

Life has become much more competitive since then, and the Christmas tree topping fairy has lots of competition now for the top spot, the Christmas-ornament-in-chief position.

So what competition does the classic Christmas tree fairy have, that will confine her to history as the star ornament. No, perhaps writing her off like that is premature; I should first mention that if you want a classic, antique Christmas tree fairy as your top tree ornament, then you can still find them; tracking them down online is not difficult. Aside from the nostalgia, though, there really is a big choice of Christmas tree toppers Christmas tree toppers these days. The fairy has a close ally, an angel, competing for that top spot as a Christmas tree character, and even Santa Claus has been muscling in on this prime real estate, presumably tired of being stereotyped as a chimney person.

I'm not sure if Santa is aware of this, but his insubordinate reindeer are also seeking the limelight behind his back, and will no doubt be seen this Christmas atop many a Christmas tree. Also, the increased fame of snowmen has gone to their heads a bit, and they too may be seen smiling out from the top of lots of brightly decorated trees.

Pride of place on the Christmas tree may also just go to a shape. A star can claim some relevance to Christmas, but other shapes too may be found in the Christmas-ornament-in-chief role.

While the Christmas tree fairy was usually a doll, nowadays you get all sorts of designs and materials. Hand painted metal, for example, is now common. As always, though, it is down to budget and taste when it comes to buying your Christmas tree toppers. But at least, you can be grateful that you have a choice that is now quite varied. That used to be far from the case.
Tip! Use a small white Christmas tree, and turn it into Frost, or an elf, Santa or a reindeer with a simple craft idea. Take felt and fabric cutouts for the eyes, nose, top hat, scarf, etc.

Your Christmas tree ornaments can, this year, bring a touch of uniqueness for your visitors to enjoy; and you of course!

This Christmas ornament article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner author of the Xmas-Ornament website.

Relax, get in the Christmas spirit, and read Roy's new Christmas Story, for adults or children, about Santa Claus and a little girl living on the edge of a tropical rainforest.

Christmas Tree Selection Guide

Before you select the perfect Christmas tree, consider a little planning to make room for your special guest. Choose the best area in your room for the tree, which would include a spot that is close to an electrical outlet. When you plug in your lights, you won't want a cord running along your floor, which could cause someone to trip and fall. There are so many things to think about when choosing a tree to celebrate your holidays. Do I want real or artificial? Should I buy pre-lit or plain? A few knowledgeable tips will guide you in the right direction.

Christmas Tree Tip #1: Artificial or Real

The first step is to decide whether you want a real or artificial tree. An artificial tree is beneficial to anyone who has allergies, but also if you just want to know that your tree will last for years. Artificial trees are nice because they do not have to be thrown out every year and they are always the same size and a perfect fit. On the other hand, there's nothing like the smell of a real Christmas tree. With real trees, there is a greater risk of fire and also the need to keep them hydrated regularly. A real Christmas tree requires a lot of maintenance and, if you're not up to it, an artificial may be the way to go.

Christmas Tree Tip #2: Will It Fit?

When selecting the perfect Christmas tree, choose one that will fit best in your home. Measure the spot for your tree before you go out shopping and keep those numbers close at hand. After you select an area in your home, measure the distance from your floor to the roof, along with the width of the space. Take a tape measure when you go to pick out your tree and make sure it will fit in the spot you chose.

Christmas Tree Tip #3: Is It Healthy?

If you're looking for a live tree, check the limbs to make sure they are nice and green. Also, look for any brown needles, which may be a sign of a tree that has not been freshly cut. A tree that is too dry could be a fire hazard, so watch out for any signs of needle loss or other symptoms of a damaged tree. You will want to choose one that looks healthy and full with beautiful branches, which will look festive when decorated. If you're planning to load the tree onto your car, place a protective sheet down on the top before adding the tree. This will protect your car from scratches, or sap, on the way home. Make sure that you choose a strong rope to secure the tree to your car.
Tip! Flame-Retardant Materials The materials used to manufacture the Christmas tree should be flame retardant to ensure the tree does not become a fire accelerator. The most common materials used on a flame-retardant Christmas tree are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene.

Christmas Tree Tip #4: Picking the Right Color

If you are buying a real tree, they only come in one color. But, if you are buying an artificial tree, you have the alternate option of white. While white Christmas trees are not as traditional as the green, there is something to be said for their beauty. Consider a white tree with blue lights, blue ornaments and white garland. A white Christmas tree is classic and stunning, especially with the right combination of decorations.

Christmas Tree Tip #5: Prelit or Plain?

Another advantage to artificial trees is that they are available in pre-lit designs. This saves decorating time and ensures that the lights are always perfectly spaced. Additionally, if you don't feel up to wrapping the lights around the tree yourself, a pre-lit tree allows you to enjoy the beauty of Christmas without the work of decorating.

For more great Christmas tree and Christmas light resources check out http://trees.christmashub.com and http://lights.christmashub.com

Christmas Tree Themes

The trend of decorating a Christmas tree around a ‘theme' has become quite popular. Instead of a hodgepodge of ornaments and garland strung here and there, decorating a Christmas tree has evolved into an organized craft. If you are new to the idea of decorating your tree with a theme or you are simply looking for new ideas, you've come to the right place. Here are some of the more common Christmas tree themes that the holiday stores are supplying for.

Almost everyone has a hobby. A very popular Christmas tree theme will revolve around a person's favorite hobby. If someone collects teddy bears, angels, and dolls or they love to fish, watch or play a sport or even has an interest in and collects cars, there is a theme available for everyone. The trouble families run into when deciding on a theme along these lines is how to agree on a hobby. Not every family shares the same interests.

Some families rotate the theme for their tree each year. Most families have a special event that they shared together in the past year. If a family traveled together to Hawaii, they might want to have a Hawaiian themed Christmas tree with shells, mini pineapples, little dancing figures in grass skirts etc.

Some people decorate their homes in what is considered a country style or a modern style. The decorations will reflect the environment of the home. If a country kitchen has a red and white checkered tablecloth in it, the tree is likely to follow that idea. The same goes for a modern decorated home. It might have unusual abstract items around the home and the tree would probably feature the same type of unique ornaments. The decorating style decides the theme of the tree.

Many more Christmas tree themes such as Victorian themes, Ocean or Seashore themes, Gingerbread themes, snowman themes, Santa Claus themes, Floral themes and Nativity themes are popular.

Whatever you desire to adorn your tree with, the more personally it touches you the more beautiful the tree will look. Have fun deciding on your theme and have a happy holiday!

This article appears in the Christmas 2004 issue of 'Celebrating Christmas PDF Magazine'. To download a FREE copy of the entire magazine, go to http://www.celebrating-christmas.com/magazine.shtml

How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree

Did you ever look in the windows of those grand department stores and wonder how they got their Christmas trees to look so perfect?

It's not nearly as difficult as it looks. And I'll share the secret here.

1. The tree - not that it matters a whole lot what the tree is, but my favorite tree is the fat rounded kind with branches that allow a bit of space between, but not so much that you can see through them. I love the smell of fresh pine. But in my particular case, with an allergy to pine, I find the most adorable fake tree I can find and make it look as much like a real tree as possible.

2. The lights - Whatever kind of lights you choose, get enough to cover the tree well, but if you are going to add ornaments, you need less lights and more sparkle. I like to bury the lights just a bit inside the branches, so I add the lights as I put up the branches a couple of rounds per layer, so there's some depth to the tree, a few glowing lights hidden inside the branches.

3. The garland - If you want garland of some kind on your tree, now is the time to add it. After the light are on, the tree is up, walk around the tree with the garland in your hand and drop generous swags of garland between the branches of the tree, allowing them to fall freely and gracefully. My favorite garlands are thin ribbon with a nice satin sheen to reflect the lights, beads, or for a natural look, some popcorn and dried berries strung on a thread.

4. The ornaments - A wide variety of ornaments depicting a specific theme work very well. My ornaments are mostly gold and white with some dark red or Christmas red and Navy blue thrown in for accent. I have angels, drummer boys, toy soldiers, glass orbs, stars, sleighs, a rocking horse or two, some crystal bells with carved ornaments inside, and some crystal ornaments with imprints of the nativity. When I look for ornaments, I look for things that say "Christmas" to me, and fit in the color scheme I've chosen for my tree.

Occasionally, my kids get the better of me and we use colored lights instead of white lights on the tree. Those years, anything goes on the tree branches, and we've done everything from stuffed animals and hot wheels cars hung in the tree to paper ornaments cut out of colored paper. Spirals, paper chains, and glued ornaments with glitter all go in our collection.
Tip! Wash your hands It does not matter if you have an artificial Christmas tree or a real/fresh cut Christmas tree, you should wash your hands after you decorate the tree. Both artificial and fresh cut trees are not something you want to put in your mouth.

5. The topper - Whatever you want to put on top of your tree - make sure it's big enough to be seen. Our tree usually gets an angel or a star. I have a selection. My tree is 7 feet tall, and my star is well over a foot tall. My angel on the other hand is not so big, because she's always competing with the angels on the tree - so she can't be too huge.
Tip! You have more than ten Christmas trees in your house and it is not a large house.

If it's a color year, we make a new star out of colored paper or fabric and attach all kinds of shinys to it with glue. Last year, we had a bright yellow star with silver glitter and gold braid along the edges of a six pointed Star of David. It was awesome.

6. The tree skirt - Under it all you need something to hold the packages, and the finish it off. I have a white braid and ribbon skirt this year. It started out as a circle of cloth and I was just stitching some ribbon along the edge - I ended up with layers of ribbon spreading out around the base of my tree. The best part is, I don't have to put many presents under a tree that has a great skirt.

I've found a great adornment for my Christmas tree is a nativity that I can set under the edge of the branches, in plain sight. The star on top is a special touch - and the boughs of the evergreen protect it. Everyone notices the nativity under the tree, and I have a special place where children look and ask questions, so I can tell them the story of Jesus birth.
Tip! If you are buying a natural tree, remember to put the Christmas mat below it before you put it on the stand. Some christmas tree skirts and mats come with a slit in the center and buttons or Velcro fastens others.

Of course, there's another nativity on an end table, another in my dining room, and another in each of the bedrooms, because I love nativities.

After all, what is Christmas all about?

Merry Christmas!

Share the season of giving! Enjoy the blessing that is yours for the taking, by giving to others.

At eBiz Blitz we care about your business. Let us help you make the most of your internet business with Dynamic Content for your website. http://www.freewebs.com/ebizblitz

Top 10 Pre Lit Artificial Christmas Tree Safety Tips

1. UL Listed Christmas Lights UL Listed means that the lights are certified by Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. (UL). UL knows a thing or two about Christmas lights as they have certified Christmas lights since 1905. Make absolutely certain the lights installed on the Christmas tree are UL Listed. Each string of Christmas lights on a pre lit Christmas tree should have the "UL Listed" tag attached near the plug.

2. Non-Twist Light Sockets The bulbs in cheap Christmas lights can easily twist in their sockets. Ensure the bulbs on the Christmas light strings have an anti-twist mechanism in the bulb and socket. This provides safety and reliability by preventing the bulb from twisting in the socket. Most inexpensive Christmas lights are easily twisted in the socket causing the light and string to go out. In the worst cases, a twisted light could create a fire hazard.

This is particularly important in homes with small children.

3. Single Pole versus Frame Tree The majority of residential Christmas trees are "Single Pole" construction which means there is one pole in the center of the tree where all branches attach. This method of construction can be used for trees up to 12-14 feet high.

Above 12-14 feet, "Frame Tree" construction is the preferred method. Frame Tree construction means there is a steel frame resembling a cone-shaped jungle gym with branches attached to the frame. Frame Tree construction trees are a must for outdoor Christmas tree installations. The high quality frame trees are designed so the frame can be secured to the ground or a structure.

4. Steel versus Plastic Tree Stands Many manufacturers use plastic for the base of their trees. Plastic bases should be avoided as the base of the tree must securely withstand the weight of the tree. Plastic tree stands may flex or break.

5. Rolling Christmas Tree Stand A decorated Christmas tree may weight 30-60% more than an undecorated tree. For this reason, it is recommended that a Christmas tree stand with wheels attached is used if there is any chance you will need to move your tree. A fully decorated Christmas tree is too heavy to safely move without a rolling stand.
Tip! When decorating a christmas tree remember to make it uniquely yours by adding heirlooms that have been passed down from generation to generation. Another nice touch is Christmas cards or cookies and candies that you have made in your own kitchen.

6. Weight Distribution The weight distribution of a Christmas tree is critical. The weight of the branches should be distributed over the center pole or frame of the tree. Weight distribution is critical for homes with small children and for outdoor commercial Christmas trees.

7. Flame-Retardant Materials The materials used to manufacture the Christmas tree should be flame retardant to ensure the tree does not become a fire accelerator. The most common materials used on a flame-retardant Christmas tree are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene.
Tip! He/she has to follow all the necessary rules in handling or taking care of the Christmas tree.

8. Christmas Light Maintenance Many miniature light strings manufactured today stay lit if one or two bulbs burn out. It is important to look once or twice a week for burned out bulbs. Consequently, if a bulb burns out, the other lights take on more power. For example, if 5 lights burn out on a 25-light string of lights, each remaining light takes on 25% more electricity. This causes all remaining lights to burn out very rapidly and ruin the sockets as well.

9. Wash your hands It does not matter if you have an artificial Christmas tree or a real/fresh cut Christmas tree, you should wash your hands after you decorate the tree. Both artificial and fresh cut trees are not something you want to put in your mouth.

10. Use a surge protector A pre lit Christmas tree is not as important as the home computer but at least plug the tree into a surge protector. This protects your investment in the tree from power surges. Most importantly, the switch on the surge protector makes it easy to not forget the most important point of pre lit Christmas tree safety -- Shut off the lights before leaving the house or going to bed!!!
Tip! Whether you are decorating a natural or prelit artificial tree remember that less is always more. Otherwise the tree could look very cluttered is is not just the general rule of thumb of christmas tree decorating.

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Bill Quinn is the Christmas tree expert at ChristmasTreeForMe.com To learn more from Bill, please review our Christmas Tree Buyer's Guide.

Ten Tips For Decorating a Christmas Tree

Now that it's the holiday season everyone is busy thinking about his or her Christmas Trees. There are tricks and tips to help you create a unique look that fits in your home and adds sparkle to your holiday celebrations. Whether real or artificial, a little imagination can take that blank canvas and turn it into something really magical that will brighten your whole holiday season.

You can start by looking for ideas on the trees you see in public places like malls or hotel lobbies. These are great places to get ideas that you can easily bring to your own tree.
Tip! Maintain the Christmas tree at its best.

Here are some great tips for creating a beautiful tree

1. Your tree will stand in you room till the holiday season ends so it should have a visual impact. The space in your room will determine the size of the tree you can have. This is important to consider especially if you want to enhance your ornaments.

2. Decide on the overall look you like. The more branch tips your tree has, the more ornaments and decorations are needed. If you want your tree to have an informal look, select a tree that has long needles and upswept branches. If you want something more formal, select a tree that has down swept branches and with short needles.

3. Pay attention to lighting. There is a general rule in deciding the number of lights for a tree — a one foot tree should have about 40-50 lights. The simplest thing to do is buy a pre-lit tree, no mess and easy storage. But if you do the lights yourself, hang them inside the tree, for a twinkling effect. Stringing the lights on the outer edges, over the tips of the branches won't look right. Remember to keep the amount of light uniform, without and unfilled spaces.
Tip! If you are buying a natural tree, remember to put the Christmas mat below it before you put it on the stand. Some christmas tree skirts and mats come with a slit in the center and buttons or Velcro fastens others.

4. Add garland. Whether you choose traditional garland or beaded garland, you can get a great look. If you want traditional, swag your garland from the top to the bottom, and also around the back of the tree. The swag of your garland will depend on the width of your tree. Twist the garland at the tip and it should be smaller as it reaches the top of the tree. Another style is to double swag your garland and form it into a spiral garland. Some prefer using ribbon that falls from the top of the tree down along to the bottom.

5. Use fillers. You must use fillers in order to give the tree an enchanting look. Some people don't do this but it is a great way to give your tree a new look.

6. Choose a color scheme. Use a single color or two complimentary ones to give your tree a coordinated, decorator look. Try traditional choices such as red and gold, or something different like pink and white. Use ornaments of these colors and keep the garland in the same color family as well.
Tip! When decorating a christmas tree it is best not to throw clumps of tinsel at the tree as if they were handfuls of spaghetti. The most attractive effect is achieved by hanging clumps of tinsel just at the very edges of each branch.

7. Dare to be different. Decorate according to what you like, even if it isn't the "traditional" way. Use your favorite hobby, ornaments collected on vacations, or old style bulbs to create a look that's truly your own. This will create a unique, personal holiday expression that is sure to be a conversation starter.

8. Don't forget the handmade ornaments. No matter what style you are trying to achieve, the hand made ornaments of your own childhood, or those of family members can be wonderful additions to any tree, and compliment any style.

9. Cover the base of your tree with a colorful tree skirt so that the gifts underneath will rest on a pretty background. This makes the packages look even more festive, and looks good after the presents are unwrapped too.

10. Top it off. Use a star, an angel or a large bow — whatever suits your individual taste.

Jo Williams has an interest in Home and Garden related topics. To access more information on christmas tree shops or on christmas tree ornaments, please click on the links.

Finding The Right Christmas Tree

Before you buy a Christmas tree, you need to think about where in your house you plan to display your tree. Be sure you think not only about how high the tree can be, but how wide as well. You'll want to avoid placing your tree near fireplaces and the television because the heat tends to dry up the tree so it will not last as long.

The best time to shop for your Christmas tree to make sure you get the best one is in mid November. Of course, the most common and popular time to pick out a tree is two to three weeks before Christmas. If you want a fresh tree, you should shop in a reputable farm or a nice tree lot. Pick out the best tree that you can afford.

When shopping, consider:

• Quality • Look • Freshness

If you want to know if the tree is still fresh, grab a branch and pull it towards you. If only a few needles fall off (five to ten), you have found yourself a healthy tree. A strong fragrance is another way you can tell if a tree is fresh.

The three most popular types of Christmas trees are Scotch pine has long needles that tend to stay on the branch for a good long time.

Short needle trees have needles that are silver on one side and green on the other.Balsam fir has short needles and a strong sweet scent that everyone loves.
Tip! I know this article is supposed to be about decorating a christmas tree but let's start first with removing the decorations. Think back to last year.

After freshness, the next thing to look for in your tree is a good, uniform shape, without huge gaps between the branches. Also you need to check that the tree you are considering is not leaning on one side. Choose a tree with a firm and solid base. Once you have chosen the perfect Christmas tree for your home, make sure that you transport it safely. You must protect it from the wind by placing it in a van or truck if you can. If not, tie it securely (top to the front of the vehicle) to the top of the car. When you get it home, don't forget to water your tree so that it will last longer and stay fresher.

If you are looking for an artificial tree, you still need to think about the height of the tree. Bigger trees cost a lot and they contain lots branches and twigs so you'll need a lot of ornaments to hang in the branches.
Tip! Prelit Christmas trees come ready decorated, so you can have your tree ready in a matter of minutes, without the need to spend time hanging decorations and untangling last year's light bulbs.

Jo Williams has an interest in Home and Garden related topics. To access more information on christmas trees or on artificial christmas trees, please click on the links.

Christmas Gift Ideas: The Treasures Under The Tree

Hear ye! Hear ye! The ‘ber' months will be here before you know it!

When people start to hear about months ending in B-E-R, they all feel the clock sounding tic toc as it fast approaches the holiday season.

Christmas is the season to be jolly…. Falalalalalalala! For the kids, it's the merry month where they get so overly excited about gifts and other stuff that Santa brings. And for most, it's the time of the year when all the streets are busy and filled up with traffic while people swoon over shopping malls to find the perfect Christmas gift ideas for their families and friends.

Christmas gift ideas need not to be repetitive or monotonous. One might say "Oh, I know what I'll be getting this Christmas. If its from Aunt Jane, it'll be a north pole replica paperweight." Or "Mrs. Dunst will give me another box of her fruit cake. That has been her gift giving trademark for as long as I can remember." Hey, there are lots of Christmas gift ideas you can up with! Be creative, resourceful and imaginative! Don't you want people to remember you for the nicest and most unique Christmas gift ideas you send them every year?

Here are some new and exciting Christmas gift ideas to help you out:

1. Chef Santa on the run!

Cooking is not only a mommy's craft. This Christmas gift idea is a fun learning activity for the whole family. While all the ingredients are available in the grocery down town, it is also a perfect time to teach your kids or friends some cooking and baking lessons. Try experimenting on your home-made fruitcake, gingerbread house, and Christmas cookies. This is not only a classic Christmas gift idea, but a sure fun way to develop your craft for cooking.

2. Relive the sound of Christmas carols

Everyone has a favorite Christmas song. But wouldn't it a nice Christmas gift idea to make a compilation of old and new Christmas songs sung by various artists? A perfect Christmas gift idea that sounds music to the ears!

3. Candies, anyone!

No matter how candy canes are soooo last year, they are still a hit to all kids! Instead of the traditional white and red striped candy canes. Why not try on some chocolate candy cane? A strawberry candy cane? Or an orange candy cane? Have as many variety of candy cane as you can and try to come up with repackaged gift bags to make it more enticing. Kids, or even teens, will surely love this Christmas gift idea.
Tip! You may have heard that decorating a christmas tree with electric lightbulbs is much safer than decorating them the old fashioned way with candles. This is true as long as you obey one cardinal rule: don't rest a bulb directly against the branches of the tree.

4. Christmas craft and decorations

Surprise your pal with this personalized Christmas gift idea. If he is a die-hard music lover cut out some musical notes or his favorite icons that he can hang around the tree. I'm sure he'd love to have something that no one else has. This cool Christmas gift idea is so unique and adds a bit of your personal touch.

5. Frame it up!

Want to bring your special someone in tears? No, I mean tears of joy. This cool Christmas gift idea will surely melt a snow. I mean, your sweetie's heart. Try to create and design a picture frame and draw yourselves as Mr. and Mrs. Santa. Or if you aren't artistic enough to draw, cut out some pictures and replace their faces with yours and your honey's and be sure to pick your best and sweetest shot. This will make him/her think how much effort did you exert to come up with a sweet Christmas gift idea like this.
Tip! Prelit Christmas trees come ready decorated, so you can have your tree ready in a matter of minutes, without the need to spend time hanging decorations and untangling last year's light bulbs.

These are just some of the hundreds of Christmas gift ideas, you can come up with every year. Whether you bought it in a shopping mall or you've made it yourself, be sure to pick the right Christmas gift idea for the right person. After all, it's the thought that count!

Mark Dietzel operates Santas-Wonder-Land.com a website dedicated to Christmas gift ideas

Turning Christmas Tree History Upside Down

The history of upside down Christmas trees goes as far back as the middle ages, when residents of Europe hung their xmas trees upside down as a representation of the holy trinity. Of course, that is not the most common method of displaying today's Christmas tree, as what it now represents, right side up, is the tip of the tree pointing to heaven. Because of this modern attitude and style, there are those that think an upside down Christmas tree could be a sacrilege or at least a sign of disrespect.

Though there is no clear history of upside down Christmas trees we do know some of how it came about.

During 600 AD a British monk traveled to Germany to preach the word of God. He spent a lot of time in Thuringia, an area destined to become the home of the first secular xmas decorations. Here the monk, according to upside down Christmas tree history, decided to make the triangular shape a representation of the Holy Trinity made up of God the father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost.

The Europeans he converted started to revere the monk's upside down Christmas tree, so history tells us, as the Tree of God. By the 1100's the upside down tree was appearing hanging from nearly every central European ceiling.

The first decorated Christmas tree appeared in 1510 in Latvia. A little later in that century history tells us that Martin Luther decorated a Christmas tree with candles as a way of explaining to his children how the stars shone in the night sky.

Gaily-decorated Christmas trees, not yet upside down, were first documented in Strasbourg Germany in 1601. The decorations were barley sugar twists, wafers and multi-colored flowers.

Nancy Fitzgerald makes it quick and easy to find the best Christmas trees Read expert information here.

Which Came First: Santa or the Christmas Tree?

You think Santa Claus and decorated trees when you think Christmas, right? The Jolly One probably comes first as the number one symbol of the holiday, but there's no mistaking that Christmas trees are nearly just as important when it comes to celebrating the holiday right.

Santa Claus and Christmas trees are so intertwined, so connected, in how we celebrate, it makes one think that Santa maybe even invented the Christmas tree. After all, it's Santa who places everyone's presents underneath the tree. Maybe back in the old days, before trees, he used to place presents under children's beds and in the bathtub. And maybe eventually he got tired of it, and instead invented Christmas trees as a convenient and fun place for him to leave presents. Makes sense, right?

Maybe, but Santa had little to do with the real reason that Christmas trees came about. Sorry to disappoint you folks, but it was actually German Christians who started the Christmas tree celebration, way back in the 1500s. And as for decorating these trees, the story goes that one of the top Christians of them all, Martin Luther, started decorating his family's tree in the 1500s with lit candles. He got the idea one night walking home under the stars.

Then the idea really caught on in the mid-1800s, when the Queen of England and her children started decorating a tree for Christmas. Sketches of the royal family with their decorations got put in all the major newspapers, and soon every good Englishman was starting a new family tradition: decorating their house and home with colorful decorations and freshly smelling, beautifully green evergreen trees.

In America, however, we were a little bit slow, not just with decorating Christmas trees but with celebrating Santa Claus and anything else 'extra' in their Christmas festivities. That's because up until the very end of the 1800s, Americans saw Christmas as a very religious holiday. There was no room for chubby men in red suits, or bright decorations and candles, and even a Christmas tree. All Americans did back then was go to church service. Period.

But then the Queen of England enjoyed her Christmas tree. And many immigrants to the United States, especially the German ones, celebrated December 25 with trees, lights, and holiday cheer. Eventually, the fun caught on. In true American fashion, though, Americans not only took on the tradition of Christmas trees and decorations, they improved on it. Every thing had to be bigger, better, and more festive!

For example, at the turn of the 20th century, Europeans tended to like their trees manageable, at only about the height of your typical sixth grader. But when Americans started catching on to the tree tradition, they decided they liked their trees big, so big that they touched the ceiling of their homes.

Then Americans took it one step further with the invention of electricity in homes. Trees were braided with strings of multicolored lights. Homes were covered with decorations of every color, blinking lights, and Santa Claus statues with his sleigh of reindeer. Even towns and cities started setting up Santa Claus displays around Town Hall, as well as Christmas trees that reached to the sky.
Tip! When choosing the right size of the skirt will depend on how large your Christmas tree is and also take note of the diameter of your tree. Remember that it should be enough to fully cover the tree stand and it should never extend on the average width of the branches of your tree.

Randy Stocklin is the co-founder of the popular website http://www.mailfromsantaclaus.com, which offers personalized letters from Santa Claus.

Unique Christmas Tree Themes

If you are a style maven who is a bit bored with the traditional then you might be interested in unique christmas tree themes. Here are some unique suggestions for christmas tree themes that are sure to be real conversation starters.

The Christmas Cocktail Party Tree

This christmas tree theme looks great on both big and small trees. First, if your tree is not a prelit tree try stringing it with a string of novelty lights instead of the usual egg shaped lights. You can buy plastic novelty lights in the shape of Chinese Lanterns (for a 50's feel), chili peppers (for that modern martini bar feel) and Pink Flamingos (for that Tikki cocktail party atmosphere.)

Then try decorating the tree with tiny cocktail parasols and multicolored cocktail picks. If your tree is really big you could also decorate it with plastic champagne glasses into which you have glued sequins or glitter. Miniature chocolates filled with liquor also make nice tree decorations.

The Gingerbread Tree

This most gorgeous of christmas tree themes never goes out of style. It looks best on a green or red tree. Decorate it with gingerbread man cookies, red glass balls, tons of candy canes, red velvet bows and homemade paper snowflake ornaments.


This tree looks great accented it with white or gold beaded garland or a bushy red or white tinsel garland. or icicle-look garland. Top it with a Christmas themed stuffed white or brown teddy bear.

The Chocolate and Gold Tree

This is probably the trendiest of the christmas tree themes described here. It looks great on a red artificial tree. The color scheme in this case is reds, browns and golds. Tiny twinkling gold and red lights look best. Think of the eighties when you decorate this one. Decorate this tree with walnuts, pinecones and chocolates wrapped in foil. Gold coins are a nice touch. Then tie large transclucent gold and red ribbons, using the kind of ribbon that has bendable wire inside onto the ends of the trees. The ultimate effect of this tree should be very opulent and lush.

The New Baby Tree

If you are celebrating the birth of a child or a child's first birthday this is a great tree to honor how happy you are about the new arrival in your home. The decorations suggested look great on any kind of tree but you could consider buying a small blue or pink artificial tree. This is a good idea so any toddlers or infants around can't get ahold of any shed needles. Also if you buy prelit artificial trees then you don't have to worry about them yanking lights and pulling the whole thing down. If you have lots of toddlers around then you might want to opt for a small ceramic christmas tree until they are old enough not to grab at decorations and xmas tree limbs.
Tip! When decorating a christmas tree make sure that you unsnarl the lights before you try to drape them around the tree. It is also safest to make sure all the bulbs are working before you try to do this too.

Pink, mint green, lavender and blue frosted glass christmas balls look particularly nice on pink or blue artificial trees. You can also decorate these trees with baby toys, baby bottles filled with candy, teddy bears, baby booties and socks, pacifiers and wooden alphabet blocks. Little stuffed animals look great on this type of tree and a larger teddy bear or soft plush toy makes a great tree topper. If the baby is a girl you might want to consider topping the tree with a doll dressed as an angel.

The Peppermint Twist Tree

This most minimalist of christmas tree themes looks fantastic on a bright white, prelit artificial tree. The color scheme of this is red and white but you can add a touch of green in the lights that you string around it. Purists however think that keeping the whole thing red and white in every way looks best.
Tip! Whether you are decorating a natural or prelit artificial tree remember that less is always more. Otherwise the tree could look very cluttered is is not just the general rule of thumb of christmas tree decorating.

When it comes to the decorations stick with red and white round glass balls. Red and white frosted glass balls look much better than the conical ones. Also festoon the branches with as many red and white peppermint candy canes as you can find. Remember too that you can also stripe red or white christmas balls with white or red glitter by simply adding some glue in a striped shape to the ball and rolling it in the glitter.

You can also accent this look with red and white ball shaped peppermint candies. A large lollipop with red and white striping and surrounded by a sunburst bouquet of candy canes makes a great tree topper.

The Sea Side Tree

This most unusual of christmas tree themes looks best on artificial trees in aqua or light blue colors. However it would also suit any tree that has a coral color such as light orange or pink.
Tip! Weight Distribution The weight distribution of a Christmas tree is critical. The weight of the branches should be distributed over the center pole or frame of the tree.

This tree is decorated with treasures from the sea including seashells, sea horses, and ornaments made from aquarium decorations (treasure chests, coins and corals.) Strings of pearls can be used as a garland and novelty lights shaped like seashells or even fish can be strung to enhance the aquatic theme.

The Snow and Ice Tree

This is one of the most unusual of christmas tree themes as it is white and icy blue instead of the more familiar red and green. First decorate it with a garland of novelty lights shaped like icicles or snowflakes. Your decorations should be made of see through plastic or crystal so it looks like the tree is dripping with frozen, glittering shapes. Instead of cotton batten, drape the tree with faux spider webs or cotton shreddings to simulate boughs heavy with snow. You can even mound this cotton at the ends of the bough so it looks like it has been clumped there.

Your final step is to spray the whole thing down generously with flocking. Flocking is simulated snow that comes in an aerosol can. You can spray this stuff on just about any kind of tree including artificial prelit christmas trees and ceramic trees to make them look frostier.
Tip! Wash your hands It does not matter if you have an artificial Christmas tree or a real/fresh cut Christmas tree, you should wash your hands after you decorate the tree. Both artificial and fresh cut trees are not something you want to put in your mouth.

This treatment is stunning on a white artificial tree but it also looks great on red, purple, blue or other artificial trees as all of the white provides a nice contrast to the tree's original color.

For more information on Christmas trees, visit http://www.o-christmas-tree.com - a year-round resource for all your christmas tree and decoration needs.

The 10 Christmas Decoration Tips You Must Know

Decorating for Christmas is one of the best things about the holidays. The twinkling of lights, the sight of a perfectly trimmed tree and a perfectly placed wreath adorning your front door are all gentle reminders of the joyous Christmas season.

When decorating your home, you want the décor to reflect your own personal style while keeping the Christmas tradition always present. A few tips can help make this holiday decorating season even brighter.

Christmas Decoration Tip #1: Lights Out

With each year that passes, Christmas lights tend to burn out at some point. Unless you have a strand that burns with the exception of the troublesome light, it can be a real headache to find the faulty bulb. Consider investing in a light tester, which will check each individual light and detect the one that needs replacing. These can be found with the Christmas supplies at most department stores.

Christmas Decoration Tip #2: Angels Nearby

Whenever possible, decorate your home with angels. They add a touch of peace and tranquility to your home and we all need to know that there are angels watching over us.
Tip! A. Save time by getting all your Christmas decorations organized so it's quick and easy to find them next year.

Christmas Decoration Tip #3: Be fruity

Prepare a fruit-filled clear glass bowl as a centerpiece for your dining room table. Nothing smells like Christmas as much as an orange or a nice fruit combination.

Decoration Tip #4: Add a personal touch

If you hang Christmas stockings, consider personalizing them with your name, your spouses name and those of your children. These days, even pets have stockings, so don't forget to add Fido's name on a stocking. You can easily personalize a traditional stocking using a glitter pen, preferably one that writes in silver or gold. A personalized stocking is a nice idea and a special added touch.

Christmas Decoration Tip #5: Pucker up

Decorate your home with poinsettia and mistletoe, which are both holiday traditions. A nice artificial poinsettia plant will always be beautiful and is easy to take care of - no water required. A mistletoe is always a nice touch and especially if you just need one more reason to smooch.
Tip! Of course, christmas decorations don't have to be expensive. You can make your own out of paper that is cut into the shape of snowflakes and other xmas themes.

Christmas Decoration Tip #6: Working with wreaths

.Don't forget to place a beautiful green wreath on the front door of your home. Make sure to add a red bow for a brightening touch! Artificial wreaths will last year after year, but real wreaths do have a wonderful scent. If you want to add wreath's to the windows in your home, consider purchasing a magnetic wreath hanger. This type of hanger comes in two parts - one goes on the inside of your home and the piece with the hook will go on the outside. These hangers have been around for years, but they are steadily beginning to gain in popularity. The magnets are so strong that they can work through doors and windows, which is ideal for hanging wreaths on the outside of your home without the fuss of a traditional plastic wreath hanger, which drapes across the top of your door.

Christmas Decoration Tip #7: A perfect fit

When choosing a Christmas tree, make sure to measure the preferred location from side to side and from floor to roof. You will want to make sure that perfect tree fits when you bring it home. Artificial trees are easy care, but a real tree requires plenty of water.
Tip! The important thing to remember here is that when doing your outdoor Christmas decorations, make it fun. Have a peak at your neighbours and you will see the enthusiasm some people have just to get that decor perfect for Christmas.

Christmas Decoration Tip #8: It's all about tradition

It's nice to start a family tradition by decorating your tree on a certain day each year. Perhaps after Thanksgiving dinner, the whole family can spend the evening dressing their home for Santa.

Christmas Decoration Tip #9: Shop smart

Make sure that all electric decorations are UL listed to ensure that they have been tested for quality and safety. Don't forget to unplug everything before you leave home or go to bed at night.

Christmas Decoration Tip #10: Say Cheese

Always remember to have plenty of film and batteries for the camera. Now that you have the perfect decorations, don't forget to capture them on film.

For more great Christmas decoration related resources check out http://decorations.christmashub.com

How To Prepare Yourself To Choose The Right Christmas Tree

The first thing you want to think about before choosing a Christmas tree is where do you want to put it. Don't place your tree near heating vents, radiators, sunny windows, or fireplaces. Place your tree in a more insulated spot but still where people can see it.

Next, using a tape measure, measure the height of your ceiling and the width of that space. This will help you to decide where a good place a Christmas tree will fit your home. Plus measure your tree stand to know the diameter of the tree trunk you can use, and measure the height of your tree stand and the length of your treetop decoration.

Remember to bring your tape measure with you when you go shopping for your tree, and bring the measurements you wrote down on paper.

You should also bring construction gloves for your hands protection. To protect your car, truck, or van from sap and pine needles use an old blanket. Unless the tree farm has one bring some rope or twin to tie your tree to your vehicle.
Tip! Make sure to know the measurement of the area where the Christmas tree will be place.

Make sure your tree stand is ready, get a bucket of warm water so your tree has water to drink right when you get it home. Check that your tree stand is strong and the right size. If you need a new tree stand the taller the tree the larger diameter of the trunk. Make sure the stand can hold lots of water.

Once the above steps are completed you are ready to choose your Christmas tree.

Nancy Fitzgerald helps you find the right Christmas tree for your home. Choose from artificial trees to real trees and white, aluminum, and pink trees.

How To Decorate A Christmas Tree

This article is a crash course in how to decorate a christmas tree. Your first step is to choose either a natural or artificial tree. Keep in mind that a natural evergreen tree only comes in one color - green. Artificial trees however are now sold in practically every color of the rainbow. Just remember, whatever color you choose will become your canvas for adding more color in the form of garlands, tinsel and decorations.

Your second step is deciding which color schemes go best with what color of tree. Green Christmas trees, both natural and artificial, look best with primary colors such as green, blue and red. White christmas trees look best with a red theme, pink theme, a gold theme or a silver theme or any combination of the above. Blue Christmas trees look best with gold or silver decorations. Red Christmas trees look great with green or pink decorations.

The third step in this course about how to decorate a christmas tree is about lighting. If you are going to buy a natural tree you will need to buy a strand of bulbs or diodes. Traditional strands of christmas bulbs come in a variety of decorative shapes and sizes including the vintage egg shape, tiny twinkling lights and rope lights. However if you buy an artificial tree you may be able to get one that is prelit. The prettiest prelit christmas trees boast fiber optic needles that give the tree a glow of its own. Especially gorgeous are the white christmas trees that boast fiber optics at their tips. These trees remind many people of angel feathers.
Tip! I know this article is supposed to be about decorating a christmas tree but let's start first with removing the decorations. Think back to last year.

The fourth step is investigating the types of decorations that are available to you. The most basic is the garland. A garland is simply any kind of strand of objects that can be used to circle the tree. You can make a garland yourself out of cooked popcorn, holly berries or candy. You can also use a long length of ribbon and attach bows to it. Of course there are all types of garlands available commercially on the market. Most popular are the garlands made of furry bunches of white or gold tinsel. Red and green tinsel garlands can look especially nice on white christmas trees.

If you are traditionally minded you might want to consider decorating your tree with glass christmas balls. These are either hand blown or created in a factory. Many of them are painted and decorated with glitter. You can buy these as globes, flutes, tubes and also in the shape of musical instruments, angels and other Christmas themes. However if you have small children, you might want to opt for the plastic versions of these decorative balls as they don't shatter if they fall off the tree.
Tip! When decorating a christmas tree remember to make it uniquely yours by adding heirlooms that have been passed down from generation to generation. Another nice touch is Christmas cards or cookies and candies that you have made in your own kitchen.

An important tip to remember when decorating trees with glass balls is to place the larger ornaments at the bottom of the tree and the smaller ones at the top. This helps keep the total effect of the tree in a pleasing proportion to the decorations.

Of course, christmas decorations don't have to be expensive. You can make your own out of paper that is cut into the shape of snowflakes and other xmas themes. Candies (especially the candy cane), apples, oranges and cookies (especially gingerbread cookies) can also be used as xmas decorations. Red christmas trees look especially good decorated with white shortbread cookies decorated with glitter. White christmas trees look great decorated with home made presents made from tiny boxes wrapped in shiny foil.

Another decoration to consider is tinsel. Strands of tinsel can be hung from the branches to simulate icicles. One tip when hanging tinsel is to hang it in clumps from the edges of the branches. Hanging single or just a couple of strands all over the tree makes it look messy.
Tip! Artificial Christmas trees fold up compactly for storage and are easy to transport - unlike a tall real tree that can be a struggle to fit into the car and squeeze through the door.

The fifth step when it comes to decorating a christmas tree is to choose some kind of tree topper. Commercially you can buy tree-toppers in just about every Christmas motif imaginable including angels, snowmen, teddy bears and of course, the Christmas star. You can buy christmas tree toppers that glow with fiber optic diodes that twirl, play tinkly music and blink on and off. However it is not hard to make your own christmas tree topper. Perhaps the simplest version is a cardboard star that is wrapped in tin foil. Sometimes the home made decorations and tree toppers have more sentimental value than the store bought ones.

The sixth step in this crash course on how to decorate a christmas tree is to make sure you disguise the base of the tree with some kind of Christmas tree skirt. This is simply a mat that is draped around the base and on the floor. It can be made out of shiny or velvet fabric or you can buy commercially made ones that feature xmas motifs in stores and online. Some tree skirts can be quite ornate, decorated with sequins and embroidery. However their original function was to catch the candle drippings from candles on the tree and catch any dropping needles from natural christmas trees.
Tip! When decorating a christmas tree make sure that you unsnarl the lights before you try to drape them around the tree. It is also safest to make sure all the bulbs are working before you try to do this too.

Another interesting addition, especially if you are a Christian is to place a small nativity scene beneath the Christmas tree on the mat. You can buy Christmas nativity scenes made of wood, metal or plastic. Also popular is a toy train set that runs in a circle around the Christmas tree.

A seventh and final consideration when it comes to how to decorate your christmas tree is a practice called flocking. Flocking is fluffy white stuff, kind of like silly string that is sprayed all over the tree to simulate snow. This gives just about any tree a real 50's or country style feel and it is very unique to tree decorating traditions in the United States and Canada. However it is not recommended for artificial white christmas trees as the effect would be a little bit of overkill.

For more information on Christmas trees, visit http://www.o-christmas-tree.com - a year-round resource for all your christmas tree and decoration needs.

Reduce Holiday Stress with a Revolving Artificial Pre-lit Christmas Tree

The holiday season is stressful enough without having to worry about tangled lights, fallen needles and branches, and three generations of family arguing over whose homemade decorations should be displayed in the front of the tree and whose will be relegated to rear, hidden from sight. An artificial pre-lit revolving Christmas tree can solve these problems as well as add a touch of grace and elegance to your family holiday tradition. An artificial pre-lit revolving Christmas tree, as the name implies, is an artificial (i.e. PVC or other flame retardant material—not a live tree) xmas tree with the lights pre-installed that is placed in a revolving tree stand.

Installing a pre-lit artificial revolving Christmas tree is easy and can save your family from some of the problems associated with live, non-rotating trees. Since the tree is artificial, you will not need to worry about messy needles and branches, disposal problems, and watering. One of the most onerous chores faced every xmas is unraveling last years lights and then hunting down which individual dead bulbs have killed the entire string. This is not an issue with a pre-lit tree. Incorporating advanced fiber optic and LED technologies, pre-lit trees can provide astounding lighting effects without you having to untangle a single cord or replace a single bulb. Using a tree stand that revolves adds another elegant dimension to your holiday celebration. Since all faces of the tree are now visible, all ornaments are equally showcased and you won't have to pick and choose which family treasures will be seen.

If you are seeking to add a little style to your holiday festivities while reducing hassles, an artificial pre-lit revolving Christmas tree might be just the thing for you.

Nancy Fitzgerald makes it quick and easy to find the best Christmas trees. Read expert information here.

The Popular Artificial Silver Tip Christmas Tree

The silver tip is a very popular Christmas tree choice in the Pacific Northwest. This hardy, high elevation member of the fir family is treasured for the uniformity of its branches and overall pleasing appearance. However, the range at which these trees can be grown is quite limited and they can take more than a decade to mature. This ultimately means higher costs at the tree stand, particularly if you live far from the Northwest, the primary habitat of these trees. Purchasing an artificial silver tip Christmas tree is a cost-effective way to incorporate these majestic trees into your xmas celebrations. The price of an artificial silver tip Christmas tree is comparable to that of a fresh cut one, and has no shedding needles, watering requirements, and can be used year after year.

An artificial silver tip Christmas tree is an ideal component in a traditional family Christmas celebration. Multicolored bulbs, shiny tinsel, and handcrafted ornaments all complement the stately nature of this tree. The fact that you don't have to throw it out and buy a new one next year is simply a bonus.

Of course, no matter how lovely the tree, the final arbiter of holiday ambience is the tree decorator. Strings of multicolored lights, individual handcrafted holiday heirlooms, as well as the traditional candy canes and tinsel are the elements that truly make a holiday celebration special. The internet is a treasury of knowledge, and the aspiring holiday designer can find a plethora of tips on decorating xmas trees using search engines.

Nancy Fitzgerald makes it quick and easy to find the best pre lite Christmas trees and more. Read expert information here.

Don't Miss the Variety of Large Angel Christmas Tree Toppers

Your large angel Christmas tree toppers may be going to the dogs. If you have a yen to honor your favorite pooch you can adorn the top of your Christmas tree with a large angel with a decidedly doggie countenance.

One such large angel Christmas tree topper has the beautifully dressed white gown and body of an angel but the head of a golden retriever. 17 inches tall, this is certainly meant to become a keepsake for the canine companioned household.

One of the newest of the large Christmas tree toppers is a lighted porcelain black angel. 12 inches tall, these topers have porcelain hands and head.

These gorgeous black angels are adorned in ivory and gold long sleeved dresses, with sleeves and bodice made of gold lame. These bodice and sleeves of these beautiful black angel tree toppers have pearl and sheer lace appliqués as Christmas decoration. They also come with ivory satin pleated skirts and short overskirts that are decorated with magnificently festive pearls and sheer lace the color of ivory.

These porcelain black angel Christmas tree toppers, lighted for the holidays, have shoulder-draped shawls made of sheer ivory. This fabric flows beautifully down the skirt front. Each of these Christmas angels carries a light in each of its hands, and is adorned with acrylic wings that are clear but with highlighted edgings.

Other choices in large angel Christmas tree toppers are figurines of green or cream colored angels, adorned with two faux fir strips along their organza dresses. These tree topper angels have green shawls as well.

Nancy Fitzgerald makes it quick and easy to find the best 8 foot artificial Christmas tree and more. Read expert information here.

White Christmas Tree Decoration Ideas

Everywhere you look this time of year you'll see Christmas tree decoration ideas. The good news is that there are many different options available when it comes to decorating your tree. Even better than the multitude of options is the fact that there really is no wrong way in which to decorate your Christmas tree. Decorate your tree the way you see fit. However, there are some that simply seem to blank when it comes to inspired and innovative decorating ideas. For you, we are here to help.

The place to start when it comes to decorating your Christmas tree is with the lights. What kind of Christmas tree would it be without lights after all? There are many styles, colors, and types of lights to consider when it comes to your Christmas tree be sure to choose the lights that strike your fancy and not the lights you think will drive your family batty (you have to live with the lights you choose too).
Tip! Find out more about Christmas decorations, Christmas gift ideas and more at Christmas Craft Ideas.

In addition to the many choices of lights, there are also quite a few different styles of tree from which to choose. One choice in Christmas tree that is growing in popularity is the white Christmas tree. If you elect a white Christmas tree for your decorating pleasure, a good idea for decorations is to go with a dual-colored theme for your ornaments and lights. Doing this can create a very lovely and elegant Christmas tree.

Assuming you have some red and green ornaments lying around the house it is quite possible to create a beautiful theme by placing these ornaments on a white Christmas tree. You could use red bows and green ornaments or some sort of combination of the two. Of course you could do with any colors you would like. Silver and blue ornaments look quite lovely on a white Christmas tree, as do many other colors. White is neutral and looks pretty good with almost any other color on the market.

When you select a white Christmas tree, you are giving yourself a clean palate upon which to create a Christmas decorating masterpiece. Any color scheme has the possibility of looking beautiful and the fewer colors you use on your tree, the more elegant and less crowded it will appear. Then again, it's your tree and like I said before, there's no wrong way to decorate a Christmas tree.
Tip! Regardless of which type of Christmas decorations you allow your child or children to make, they will likely enjoy the experience, especially if you participate as well. For a child, there is nothing like seeing their Christmas drawings hanging on the walls or their Christmas ornaments hanging on the tree.

Rob Buenaventura is a successful webmaster and publisher of GetChristmasShopping. He provides tips on Christmas decoration ideas, unique xmas gifts, and other Christmas ideas. For more tips on Christmas Decorations, check out http://www.getchristmasshopping.com

Kids Christmas Decoration Ideas

If you are a parent or a grandparent, uncle or aunt you already know just how excited kids get when the holiday season approaches. And this is a good thing as their enthusiasm is contagious and helps us get into the holiday spirit. For many of us remembering what it was like to hear our parents talk about the Christmas tree or getting out the outdoor holiday lights was like giving a child a five pound box of chocolate…our anticipation got the best of us but we soon were let down when we had to stay out of the way when the Christmas home décor decorating process began.

Today, however you should let your kids help decorate the home for Christmas by allowing them to place some ornaments on the tree or even help hold the lights while dad strings them on the bushes out front. Besides helping with the decorations, encourage your children to make their own special handmade decorations for the home or to give as gifts. This part does take a little pre planning in making sure you have the materials for your kids to use and choosing items suitable for their age, however the benefits associated with this are far greater than the temporary burden of planning. As an example while your kids are busy making decorations you will have free time to put up other decorations you really do not want your children's' help with or to simply take a few moments and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.

Easy Craft Decoration Ideas

The Christmas tree is the focal point in almost every home at Christmas time; in fact many families now have more than one each with a different theme. Kids love ornaments on the Christmas tree and always feel the tree could use more ornaments. Making ornaments for the tree can be made with items found around the home such as paper, uncooked noodles, popcorn or baked dough in various shapes. If you do not have the time to prebake; almost every town has a local craft store where ornament cutouts, patterns or undecorated ornaments can be purchased and ready for your children to paint. Crafting Christmas tree ornaments is a great craft project for kids that have never made a decoration as well as small children.

Other than creating decorations for the Christmas tree, another easy and low cost idea is to have your child use his or her markers or crayons to color or paint a holiday themed picture to be displayed as part of the holiday home decor. Try placing your child's' artwork on the refrigerator for all to see or frame it and display it on a sofa table or coffee table. This will enlighten your children and teach them what Christmas is all about. Pictures of your child with Santa Claus could easily be highlighted by crafting a simple picture frame out of popsicle sticks that your child could decorate with glitter, buttons or paint. Another fun project for your children to participate in would be to create a collage from family photos including the family pet; accented with red ribbon and use as a Christmas wall décor.
Tip! One final type of outdoor Christmas decoration is a pre-made statue or figure of some type that has lighting capabilities. These come in many shapes and sizes from religious figures and nativity scenes to popular characters like Santa Clause or cartoon characters dressed in festive gear.

Decorating for Christmas with your children does not have to be expensive and can be a fun way to have your kids spends quality time together. The easy craft decoration ideas mentioned are just a few ideas however there are numerous craft ideas for children found in kids craft magazines, libraries, school and craft projects for kids online. You may also find that your children have lots of suggestions for crafts they would like to try and some you never even thought about. Some of their ideas may require your help and dads assistance for making their craft plan a reality. As an example your children may wish to create a wood snowman cutout for the front entrance or something along those lines. Allowing your kids to become apart of decorating for Christmas will reward you with family unity.
Tip! A lot of the increase in the use of Christmas decorations has come from the desire to impress friends, neighbours and family with the decorative display, as well, of course, for one's own enjoyment.

Berri Rannells is an Interior Decorator who enjoys offering home decorating ideas, advice and solutions. Rannells also maintains a home and garden decor website which provides lots of ideas to visitors. For ready made Christmas Decorations please visit: www.decorativevisions.com.

Christmas Decoration Ideas for Kids (and Parents)

As a parent you already know just how much kids love the holidays. One of the things they love is helping you decorate for Christmas. Most children love to make their own handmade Christmas decorations, and there are a number of fun and exciting Christmas decorations that they can easily make.

There are a number of ways to make Christmas ornaments. Christmas ornaments can be made from regular paper or any other type of material. In fact, you can purchase a number of Christmas ornament cutouts or guides from your local craft store. These ornament pieces are likely plain, but already shaped like something, such as a star or a cross which the child can then paint. This type of Christmas decoration craft project is great for small children or those who may be making their own Christmas decorations for the first time.

Your children can also easily make their own Christmas paintings or drawings, often with the supplies that can already be found inside your home. You can then put it on your refrigerator or you could even frame the picture and hang it up somewhere else or give it to a grandparent as a Christmas gift. You can also have the child draw on a large sheet of paper or stamp it and use it as wrapping paper. This makes a double gift. This type of Christmas decoration craft project is ideal for children of any age and is a great way to save money since you likely already have all of the needed supplies. Many newspaper offices will sell end rolls of blank newsprint which is ideal for making wrapping paper.
Tip! Keep your Christmas presents out of sight until Christmas morning. For many of us the Christmas decorations are not complete until we place the gifts under the tree.

Another fun Christmas project that your children could do is to make a centerpiece for your dining room table, or individual place cards. You children will be thrilled if you use that centerpiece for your Christmas dinner. The children can create a somewhat elegant centerpiece, with artificial flowers, a large bowl or vase, some Christmas balls, as well as other decorative items. Your children can easily arrange these items to create their own unique centerpieces for your dining room table. If your children are a little older, they may be able to create a centerpiece in the shape of an Angel, a Santa or a Christmas tree by using construction paper and a few other small supplies.

Making a gingerbread house together is also fun. It is important that the house be constructed the day before so that the icing will have a chance to harden, but the children can have a wonderful time decorating the gingerbread house. It can even be used as a centerpiece for a Christmas display and then the children can eat it later.

Another similar idea is to take Social Tea Biscuits and make them into a small house, putting a ribbon between the seam of the roof top. It takes 7 cookies to make a house, a little Royal Icing, a ribbon loop long enough to hang over a tree branch, and some imagination to decorate it. These can be take home or eat gifts for children who visit your home around Christmas. Hang several on the Christmas tree.
Tip! Christmas involves house redecoration and repairs, clothes, Christmas decorations, the entire list of Christmas shopping, maybe a quick Christmas vacation and also the delicious Christmas preparations. To enjoy all these exciting aspects of a very Merry Christmas, one thing that you have to have is - money and that too enough of it.

There are a number of places online where you will be able to Christmas craft projects for kids. You can find a collection of ideas by performing a standard internet search. Also, your local library will no doubt have some Christmas Craft books. Your local book stores will also have a collection of Christmas craft books for children. These books tend to outline the supplies needed, as well as give detailed directions on how to make the Christmas decorations. These decorations may include Christmas drawings or paintings, tree ornaments, table centerpieces, and much more.

Regardless of which type of Christmas decorations you allow your child or children to make, they will likely enjoy the experience, especially if you participate as well. For a child, there is nothing like seeing their Christmas drawings hanging on the walls or their Christmas ornaments hanging on the tree.

Fran is a mom and grandmom who currently works as a Career/Employment Counsellor while establishing her online business. You can find more about her on her website http://www.franwatson.ca, and you can pick up a special gift at http://www.franwatson.ca/Memories.html

Christmas Tree Ornament Tips

When it comes to decorating, we are all perfectionists about our Christmas tree. After all, it happens only once a year and the decorations are a treasure to behold. The finishing touch, for any Christmas tree, is the ornaments. Perhaps you have memories of a personalized ornament given to you as a child or maybe it’s the tradition of hanging them with your family - making sure that each is perfectly spaced from its neighbor for that added touch of beauty. The Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees, which we choose, should be a reflection of ourselves and our family.

There are all types of Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees. From glass to unbreakable, there is something for everyone. Glass ornaments are among the most expensive, in part, because they require such intricate detail and add a touch of elegance to any Christmas tree. Glass ornaments pick up the reflection of lights and beam them across the room with, perhaps, even a twinkle or two. These ornaments are often hand-painted, which adds to their uniqueness.

There are a variety of unbreakable ornaments, also available, in a multitude of colors. If you have a child who loves to be near the Christmas tree, glass ornaments may not be the best option. Or, if you have a pet that enjoys the mystique of the tree a little too much, you may opt for something unbreakable. This is why there are plastic ornaments, which are much safer for your inquiring family members whether they be small or furry.

If you have children, there are plenty of ways to make beautiful Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees at home.

Using gold ribbon, tie a bow and place it on the tree. Repeat these steps until your tree is filled with golden memories of your child’s imagination. You can also purchase plain white ceramic ornaments and, together with your children, paint them into beautiful Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees.

What’s good enough to eat and also looks beautiful on a Christmas tree? Give up? It’s a candy cane, of course. These pretty little symbols of Christmas are everywhere during the holiday season. If you can resist the temptation of eating them, candy canes make terrific Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees. Leave them as they are or tie little red bows around them for an added touch of Christmas.

If your child would like a personalized letter from Santa, contact one of Santa’s helper services and inquire about Santa also sending your child a personalized ornament with his/her name engraved. This will truly be one of the most special ornaments on the tree and your child will treasure it forever.

Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees truly are the icing on the cake. Let them reflect you, your family, your home and your love for the holidays. The most precious ornaments are those we decorate with love. Not so surprisingly, these are also the most beautiful.

About the author:
For more great Christmas ornament related resources check out http://ornaments.christmashub.com

How to Select Your Christmas Party Decoration

There is a new trend in decorating for the holidays that calls for a more subtle approach, but in most cases has an absolutely beautiful affect on the holiday festivities. Despite the fact that in the last decade we have all acquired virtually mountains upon mountains of holiday decorations, more people and designers are going for the ‘less is more' option in Christmas party decorations and entertaining.

When looking for a Christmas party decoration, there are basically two main options: exaggeration and understatement.

When going for understated holiday enchantment rather than an all-out Santa Claus's workshop holiday look, the idea is not to put out half of the decorations that you have, but rather to choose subtler ones. Instead of a giant Santa Claus candle in the middle of your serving table, imagine a silver platter with white taper candles arranged within a green wreath with red holly berries or with pine cones.

Ideally, decorations should be 'winter themed' with just a hint of the traditional. Christmas party decorations that are explicitly Santa and reindeer are no longer faring so well. Instead of a green and red table setting, try a white base with a few red accents---or even more breathtaking, a red tablecloth with all white on top. Set with plain white porcelain dishes and plain silverware, crystal glassware and maybe a touch of silver in the serving dishes. If the lights are fairly dim in your dining room, you will provide your guests with a beautifully festive Christmas dining atmosphere.
Tip! Rob Buenaventura is a successful webmaster and publisher of GetChristmasShopping. He provides tips on Christmas decoration ideas, unique xmas gifts, and other Christmas ideas.

If you're looking forward to a specific theme for your Christmas party decorations, there are many different plate designs with matching cups and wine glasses that can include more popular Christmas symbols such as Santa Claus, or fancier designs such as mistletoe. These can come in a variety of different types, from more ornate (some might resemble things like snowflakes) to more humorous (such as snowmen, or Santa and Mrs. Claus).

Another fun yet practical Christmas table decoration is that of salt and pepper shakers. These come in a variety of themed seasonal designs and are a nice family tradition item to be included with a simple table design.

When it comes to a purely visual Christmas table decoration, candles are perhaps the most popular choice. These candles can stand alone in a simple holder, or can be more ornate and encircled by wreaths. These wreaths can be made of fake fruit, plain, or perhaps light blue or white and sprinkled with glitter so that they resemble a large snow flake.
Tip! Avoid Box Identity Loss - Attach a red ribbon or tag to each Christmas storage box. This will make them easy to identify next Christmas if they have been stored with other boxes unrelated to Christmas decorations.

These decorative candles, like all candles, come in two varieties: scented, and non-scented. Non-scented is the better choice for people who have allergies and for people who have sensitivities to smell, as the smell might interact with the smell of the food. There are many scented choices, but one of the most popular ones is that of cinnamon. These candles can stand alone in a simple holder, or can be more ornate and encircled by wreaths.

Christmas party decorations are fun to shop and fun to use to spice up your party and party table. Prices will vary depending on how ornately one wishes to decorate, but decorations can always be found at a reasonable price for those who are cost-conscious. Visit a local store during the holiday season, or go online and search for more fun ideas for Christmas party decorations.
Tip! I love Christmas decorations and love going round seeing all the work people have done. It is lovely and festive.

Visit http://www.Christmas-Holiday-Traditions.com for more crafts and family traditions for the holidays.

Have a Simple but Wonderful Christmas Decoration

Holidays are here again. Time flies so fast and now the spirit of Christmas is here. As always, everyone excited to the coming yuletide season. Christmas is a season of rekindling family ties. Holidays bring on the memories, the warm thoughts of the yesteryear.

Some maybe thinking of how to make it more memorable than the other Christmas, or one might ponder on how he will have a great season with love ones. He might be considering holding a reunion, throwing up parties for families, or maybe just putting some Christmas decorations can lift up the mood of the holiday season.

In order to have a great yuletide season, one should make a plan as early as possible, from the decoration to parties, from foods to drinks.

Some points to apply to have an effective Christmas holiday

1. Plan on what to do for Christmas

He must have a planner or organizer to keep tract on what to do, and be certain about all the engagement he has, so not to waste time. Whether buying gifts, what to cook, where to spend the season or who will be invited for the party.

2. Look for the perfect gifts

If one is thinking of buying gifts for his families, friends, or love ones, he must do the searching for the best gifts earlier. This can help him choose and get the right gift for the person and he can avoid the Christmas rush.

3. Mail cards in advance

One can celebrate and send the spirit of Christmas to his loved ones in abroad through sending mails. He must send it as early as possible so the recipient will receive it ahead of time. He can use services of UPS or order through online to carry it to the receiver.

Celebrating Christmas has been the practice of people around the globe from time immemorial. Everyone enjoys the fun and joy of the event that go along with it. There is nothing more joyful than a wonderful ornamented home.

Listed below are some tips on how to decorate the home for the season.

A. Accentuate the home by putting more colorful designs and frills. Placing ribbons to draperies, chairs or even on the doorknobs. One can also use multicolored bows in replacement for ribbons.

A.1. he should not stick only with the colors of green or red when thinking of decorating. He can play with colors to add a touch of liveliness.

A.2.pick a ribbon or bows that can be use for a long period. This can help save money.

A.3. select ribbons or bow that match the decorating ambiance.

A.4. always follow the instructions attached to the items bought.

B. Makes use of tableware that looks festive

B.1. he can go to stores that sell tableware in a discounted price and with many great designs.
Tip! As with so many things over the last hundred years, Christmas decorations have just got bigger and better, as well as with a greater variety. Now, in some localities, you will get local communities where house owners go to great lengths to decorate the outside of their homes with giant Christmas ornaments and lighting displays.

B.2. select a design that are colorful and with different remarkable pattern.

C. Put a lot of candles

C.1. set up candles on the dining table, and enjoy the scent that they bring out while having meal

C.2.assemble column candles in the bathroom, on the basin or around the plunge bath. Take time to immerse and relax.

D. Hang holiday garlands

D.1.place garlands in every door, starting from the main door.

D.2.use holly accentuated with ribbon or bow, angels, fruits or anything that one desire.

D.3 to save money, one must buy synthetic garlands so it can be use in a long period.

Keep in mind that Christmas season is all about renewing the memories, the joys of year past. It is really worth to plan and make it more memorable for all the members of the family. Let everyone share his or her part in decorating Christmas season.

Dave Poon is an accomplished writer who specializes in the latest in Holidays. For more information regarding Decorating for Christmas please drop by at http://www.christmasworldbest.com

Flower Decoration Ideas for Christmas

Flowers are a vital part of any occasion, especially Christmas. We spend a lot of money on flower decorations on Christmas every year to decorate many things. Sometimes we think something is still missing, and that is our own creativity and inspiration. We want the things to reflect our inventiveness. Let's find out how we can decorate flowers and use them with many things to let originality show and be admired by people.

The one thing we often miss while using flower decorations on Christmas is the Christmas tree itself. This is because there are so many other decorations for the tree that we don't want to overdo it using flowers as well. This Christmas, why not try another idea to use flowers as decoration, instead of other things? You can use small red and green buds to make it beautiful and more presentable.

You can also make a huge wonderful bouquet for the dining table. Add candles around it or even inside it to give a stunning look. Small flowers can also be used to make outside decorations on a candle, even dried flowers look so beautiful and soothing to the eyes. You just have to dry some flowers, glue them on a transparent sheet and then wrap the sheet around candles. Flowers can also make wonderful Christmas gifts. Another idea is to use flower decorations on the place around the tree and a few paces in front of it.

A whole range of flowers can be found in a flower shop. But you can also search on the Web and find flowers of your choice and color and have them delivered to your place. Looking at Christmas flower decorations on these websites will give you many ideas you can combine to create new things with all kinds of flowers, either red or green. Let's show everyone this Christmas just how artistic you are!
Tip! Historians believe that this original Christmas decoration descended from a witch ball. The original purpose of a witch ball was to fend off evil spirits.

George Wood is a successful webmaster of many popular sites including plastic surgery and gps site. If you want to read more about Christmas, click over to George Christmas site.

Christmas – Decoration Essentials – What You Must Have!

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the decorations. They are an important part of getting into the Christmas festive spirit and feeling of magic, fun and joy. Also many decorations have become part of the Christmas tradition. Here are some essential items that you need to ensure the Christmas spirit is evident in your home this coming festive season!

1. Christmas table decorations - candles are a must whether you are following tradition (religious reasons) or whether you want to create a festive feel. Place 4 long red candles. One to be lit each Sunday prior to the Christmas feast. Then all four are lit Christmas Day. Add a little greenery to their base for an extra festive touch.

2. Christmas tree - make it a real one and enjoy the smell of a freshly cut tree. There is nothing more warm and inviting than the smell of a fresh tree. Add some fairy lights and turn your room into a magical wonderland land!

3. Christmas ornaments - the most popular are personalized Christmas ornaments. You can order a few with each family members name on them and place them on the tree - imagine the delight when they view your tree!

4. Ivy or holly - add these to the bottom of your candles, decorate around your mirrors and mantles. This really adds to the Christmas cheer. For even more fun create a Christmas kissing ball. Tie some into a ball and hang from a ceiling or a tree. Whoever stands under it must be kissed!

5. Hey - yes add a little hey under the table! Many countries do this for the Christmas festive meal. It is to remind all of the manager. It adds to lots of fun either under the table or around the Christmas tree.
Tip! Attach a red ribbon or tag to each Christmas storage box. This will make them easy to identify next Christmas if they have been stored with other boxes unrelated to Christmas decorations.

6. Fires have been associated with Christmas since 400AD. If you have an open fire - keep a Yule log burning day and night to keep away the legendary mischievous Christmas goblems from coming down the chimney and causing lots of mayheim! Adds to lots of fun for the children. Of course make sure you have a fire panel to ensure children cannot get burnt.

7. Christmas stockings - ensure you have one for each family member. Either texter or embroid their name onto a Christmas stocking. Then hang the stockings either on your tree, on their door handles or around the mantle (as long as no fire is lit). Then add some surprise gifts inside.

So with a little imagination with the above items you can really get into the Christmas spirit by decorating your home and as you can see without spending huge amounts of money to do so. Go ahead create a festive atmosphere this Christmas season with the above essential Christmas decorations and you can't go wrong!

Visit www.HoHoHoChristmas.com & sign up for our FREE Newsletter full of tips, tools & resources for reviving the fun, joy, magic and real meanings of Christmas PLUS receive our bonus f*r*e*e 10 day e-course with audio on how to enrich your Christmas experience from The HoHoHo Expert, Bernadette Dimitrov, author of the world's best Christmas ebooks and audio books. The HoHoHo Factor!' everything you'll love to know & share about Christmas & the new fun adventure series ‘Bluey, Santa's New Recruit!' Creating fun and cherished memories for families!

Card Decoration Balls - Homemade Christmas Trimmings

Home-made card balls are attractive and so simple to make. They can be made to any size. Small ones for the Christmas tree or Large ones to decorate a room, they make great alternative to balloons. You can imagine thrifty Victorians making these card balls to decorate their house at Christmas time.

To begin with you will need a triangle and a circle card board template. You can make these from an old cereal box. The triangle needs to be an equilateral triangle.

You will need cardboard, a pair of compass and a ruler to make your triangle. First draw a straight horizontal line to form the base of the triangle. Open the compass so that the point and the pencil ate the same distance apart as the length of the ruled line. Then with the pint of the ruler on one end of the ruled line, lightly draw a curve with the compass. The do the same thing with the point of the compass on the other end of the ruled line. Where the two curves cross is the to point of the triangle. Rule lines from this point to the base of the triangle. Cut the triangle out and place to one side.

To make the circle template, use the compass to draw a circle a few millimetres larger than the than the triangle.

Now using thin coloured card or old Christmas cards, you need to draw and cut out 20 circles using your template so that they are all the same size. You could use the same coloured card, and then paint the ball once it is complete. You could make a photo ball using photos of all the family stuck to pieces of cardboard.

The circles now need to be folded into shape ready for construction. Lay a card circle face up on the table. Place your triangle template on top and hold it down firmly whilst you fold up the sides of your circle around the triangle template, to form a triangle inside the circle. It's a bit like wrapping up presents. Unwrap the triangle, and move on to the next circle. All 20 circles need triangle folds fling inside them.
Tip! Dave Poon is an accomplished writer who specializes in the latest in Christmas Decorations. For more information regarding Christmas Flower please drop by at http://www.

To construct the ball... To attach the folded card circles together simply lift the circle sides on two pieces so that it stands up and forms a ridge, the folded triangle side butt up to one another. The ridge is where you staple to join the two triangles. Apply more staples for larger balls if you wish to. Staples are also easily removed if you make a mistake.

Join five triangles together so that it forms a dome shape. Make two more domes, each with five triangles joined together. Then join the 3 domes together.

You may find yourself getting lost at this stage, and you will probably be thinking that it will never work. But it does, just carry on and follow these rules.
Tip! Keep your Christmas presents out of sight until Christmas morning. For many of us the Christmas decorations are not complete until we place the gifts under the tree.

Check around your ball. Each triangle has to be part of a dome where five triangles meet. Add the remaining triangles to the places on your ball where there are too few triangles. Eventually you will have used up all of the triangles and your ball will be complete.

Tuck some ribbon for hanging between two joining triangles at the point you would like to be the top of the ball.

Finishing touches... You could splatter your ball with coloured paint to create a funky design.

You could apply glue to all the stapled ridges and sprinkle on some glitter to really jazz it up.

You could staple tinsel along the ridges of a large ball.

You could make a Christmas room decoration centrepiece mobile. Small card balls suspended at varying lengths from one large card ball, with a cut out of Santa hanging from the centre.

When your really good at making card balls, substitute staples for glue and make a little gift box for sweets, earrings and other trinkets.
Tip! Protect Christmas Decorations from Moisture - If you live in a humid climate using plastic containers may not be enough to protect from moisture. Place packets of silica gel in each container to avoid damage from humidity.

These card balls are brilliant fun. Everyone will be amazed at the cleverness of it. Best of all, it's re-cycling at it festive, using old Christmas cards, used cereal boxes, last years odds and ends of gift wrap, tinsel and glitter.

S. Roberts writes for http://www.santaspostbag.co.uk/ A festive website where parents can write FREE letters to their children from Santa Claus himself. If you publish this article please link back to http://www.SantasPostbag.co.uk You can use image http://www.santaspostbag.co.uk/christmas-card-ball.html but do NOT hotlink! Thanks

Holiday Crafts - Thanksgiving and Christmas Decoration Ideas

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday! What a spiritual renewal to take a day to reflect over the past year about just how good God has been to you and your family, to give you harvest and shelter, health and hope. To get the most out of this joyous occasion, make some holiday crafts with your children. These days, Thanksgiving often gets squeezed out by Hallowe'en's spooky decorations and the lights and gala of Christmas. With the following holiday crafts, your home can be decorated for this quieter but important celebration.

Turkeys are a natural choice for decorations. A familiar project at this time of year is for a child to trace around her hand and make the resulting drawing into a turkey. The thumb is the head and the fingers are the tail feathers all displayed. While many of the turkeys that are raised for food are now the domestic white variety, the turkeys eaten by the Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving were the wild brown ones. The tail feathers on a wild turkey are brown, but they are iridescent. catching light and appearing to be multi-colored. This is why children color the tail feathers in bright colors.

The turkey's head has a wattle under the beak. This is a vertical flap of loose skin that is red colored. Be sure to draw this in order to make the hand turkey look like a turkey. Add skinny legs and bird feet. When done, the children can cut out the turkeys and hang them on the wall. It's really cute to make a whole flock of these turkeys in the sizes of all the hands in the family. The little hand shapes are particularly sweet.

Another nice turkey decoration to make when making Thanksgiving holiday crafts is a turkey door decoration. Make a brown construction paper body and head of a turkey. Now make a large number of colored feather shapes. Each family member writes on a feather something he or she is thankful for before attaching as part of the turkey's tail. Repeat until all the feathers are used, and hang the turkey on the front door to greet visitors with a message of gratitude. Make a sign to accompany the turkey that says "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good!" or simply "Be thankful!" or "We're thankful for you!" or whatever you like.
Tip! Historians believe that this original Christmas decoration descended from a witch ball. The original purpose of a witch ball was to fend off evil spirits.

Children love making construction paper chains. To further decorate the house for Thanksgiving, let them make a paper chain in fall colors as one of their holiday crafts. Using 9 by 12 inch construction paper, cut the paper in half across the long side and cut the halves into one inch thick six inch long strips. Use a stapler to attach the ends of the strip into a circle. Loop the next strip into the circle and staple it. Continue the process alternating colors of brown, red, yellow, and orange. When the chains are long, you can drap them along the ceiling or stair rail. If you don't make the door turkey, the children can write something they're thankful for on each strip of paper before adding it to the chain.
Tip! A lot of the increase in the use of Christmas decorations has come from the desire to impress friends, neighbours and family with the decorative display, as well, of course, for one's own enjoyment.

Thanksgiving is too nice a holiday to let the other more commercial holidays crowd it out. By making holiday crafts to decorate the home for Thanksgiving, you can keep this day special, too. The extended family, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc., will be pleased to see the holiday crafts the young ones have made to decorate the house and make it cheerful for their visit.

Find out more about Christmas decorations, Christmas gift ideas and more at Christmas Craft Ideas.

Outdoor Home Christmas Decoration

An outdoor Christmas decoration holds a special place in people's hearts. Christmas is an elaborate celebration for many people throughout the world. For most families, Christmas involves an extensive amount of decorating, both indoors and outside. Many towns and neighborhoods hold lighting and decoration contests to see who can come up with the best seasonal decorative scheme for their home. There are many different types of outdoor Christmas decorations.

One type of outdoor Christmas decoration is a homemade decoration. These are perhaps the most sentimental decorations, as families typically get together during the season to create and places these in their yard or on their homes. They are less costly than store bought decorations, as they can save over half the price of store Christmas decorations. Simple items like wire coat hangers can be fashioned into reindeer, trees, stars, bells, candy canes, and other ornamental signs of the season. They can then be wrapped with outdoor lights to illuminate the night. Strips of wood can be fashioned into figures like Santa Clause and set to illuminate the blackness of a winter night as well.

Let an outdoor Christmas decoration spice up your home for the holidays

Another type of outdoor Christmas decoration is a string of lights, though these days they come in many shapes and sizes. Lights are, perhaps, the most popular form of outdoor Christmas decoration. It is possible to purchase lights in the shape of trees or stars. You can also buy lights to hang on your house. For these, you can by dangling lights that resemble icicles or a simple strand with one white or colored bulb every few inches. These strings of lights can flash or blink in any pattern or you can simply have them stay on in a constant fashion.

One final type of outdoor Christmas decoration is a pre-made statue or figure of some type that has lighting capabilities. These come in many shapes and sizes from religious figures and nativity scenes to popular characters like Santa Clause or cartoon characters dressed in festive gear. Air inflated decorations like this are gaining in popularity. They us a constant source of air to stay inflated much like a children's jumping tent might. Additionally, they are lit for visibility at night. They are inexpensive to own and operate, and look quite festive on the lawn or on the roof with the lights.

An outdoor Christmas decoration can be an important addition to any holiday season. Be sure to choose the right decoration for you.

Adam Peters writes regularly for an online interior home decorating magazine. Peters contributes adding reviews very often on decorating and design topics. You can also reach interesting articles on easter and christmas decorations at his site