As a child, one of my favorite days of the year was the day after Thanksgiving—when my dad and brothers would lug up from the basement all of the Christmas bins filled with memory-laden decorations. As my mom stood in the family room, pulling out garland, snowmen, and angels, cinnamon-pine-spice smells filled the room, and we children were responsible for placing each item in its familiar place.
Decorating for Christmas enhances the excitement of the holiday season and it also helps create those fond child-hood memories we all desire for our kids! For maximum memory-impact, as well as great impressions from visiting friends and family, here are some tips:
- Focus on the rooms you use most. If you have a formal dining room, but you never use it because you always eat in the kitchen, why not place the majority of your efforts where you’ll see them the most?
- Less is more. Rather than filling your rooms with nick-nacks and random hand-me-downs (or presents you never really even liked!), stick to the decorations you love and those that make the biggest impact. Items such as trees, wreaths, and garland will be “in style” year after year and are worth the investment. Use ornaments and candles to create an eye-catching mantel or windowsill design to draw the eye. And as for those decorations you’re not using any more—why not let your kids use them to get their own rooms ready for the holidays!? (Check out this fabulous, easy-to-make garland & ornament tree by Nikki, In Stitches)
- Greenery makes a huge difference. Everyone knows that the tree is the centerpiece of any Christmas decor, but greenery found in other places helps a home feel warm and festive. Try hanging a wreath on a window, or use a swag to frame a door.
- Lights, lights, lights! When considering lighting, the goal is to create a warm glow, without it being either too bright or too dim and dingy. Try threading some white lights through garland on a mantel, or if you have an old fireplace you don’t use, place a grouping of candles or lanterns to “fake a fire.” Candles can also make a big impact, but avoid using too many fragrances—simple tea lights will do the trick for cheap! Try grouping a few vases and/or glasses you already have in a similar style or color and place the tea lights inside.
- Make an entrance! The outside of your home may vary from a simple wreath and white lights to an all out swingin’ holiday festival, but just make sure you do something that represents you and your home. Guests and children will look forward to coming inside when they feel the holiday cheer right from the start.
Now go grab those bins, put on some Bing Crosby and get to work!
Shannon is a youth pastor's wife and full-time mommy to two little girls. In addition to writing for ATFM, she works as a part-time children’s ministry director, teaches piano, and writes for her own blog (Key MOMents).
