Special Christmas Decorations

The awe of the Christmas holidays can be seen in the faces of the very young as lights twinkle, bells jingle and swirls of red, white and green flash from every street corner or store front. However, have you ever noticed how some decorations sit there and do nothing while others catch your eye-or ear, immediately? What makes one holiday decoration superior might be the sound, smell, or movement that is part of its showcase. And, let’s not forget that throughout the holidays color is the main attraction.

Let’s begin with what the eyes see at Christmas.

Red and White: One of the first things that will come to the average person’s mind when these colors are mentioned is: candy canes. Yes, candy canes or peppermint sticks, are a staple for the holiday season. Where do you use them? Why, the Christmas tree of course. However, you can also stick one of those delicious sweet treats in stockings or on a gift.

Candy Cane door decoration: buy one cane shaped Styrofoam form and red ribbon, at least 2” in width, purchased at a fabric or craft store. Using a hot glue gun wrap the ribbon in a spiral fashion around the cane creating a candy cane. Add a hook at the back and hang it on your door.

Red and Green-Natural Christmas trees vary in shades of green. Add red bows to the boughs and a few sprigs of artificial red berries. You can also add a red cardinal or two perched atop the branches.

White is the color of snow, angels, and icicles. If you, or someone you know, can crochet, starched, crocheted snowflakes make a beautiful decoration for the tree. If sewing is not your thing, then crafting the snowflakes from standard white copy paper can work just as well. Offset the snowflakes with angel dolls that hover from the top of the tree to the lowest branch. Or, perhaps you’d prefer an Angel treetop ornament instead of the traditional star. Icicles that are made from hard plastic can be the final touch to the tips of the boughs.

Gold is another popular color for Christmas. It imbues royalty and richness. A gold star, gold tinsel, or gold ornament bulb…all are part of the Christmas spirit if that is what your color scheme is.

Some people prefer to create a special look on the tree with shades of one color. Here are some examples: Burgundy, red, and pastel pink; Forest green, lime green, sea moss; navy blue, royal blue and baby blue.

For a cool look white, ivory, gold, copper and silver bulbs coordinate together nicely. Hang wide gold ribbon from the top of the tree in four directions for a straight look, or wrap it around the tree. Buy a sheer type of ribbon to create a ‘filmy’, dreamy look.

For a rich look buy bulbs with deep tones, such as a burgundy, royal blue, or navy, forest green and purple. Add a stream of dark, velvet ribbon in one of the primary colors and create a jeweled look that is fit for royalty.

The clip clop of reindeer feet on rooftops; the jingle of Santa’s sleigh bells; the jolly “Ho, ho, ho,” that is heard from red suited fat men; the sounds of carolers singing on street corners…who couldn’t recognize that Christmas is around the corner with these familiar sounds?

So, what does that have to do with decorations? More and more movement and sound decorations are being manufactured. Walk into any Hallmark store and you will see for yourself the large display of ornaments that whiz or jingle.

Don’t forget holiday decorations that play music, such as snow globes or music boxes, as well as display Santas and Snowmen that rock to a crazy beat at the touch of a button. Add some large sleigh bells to your door for an authentic sound of Santa’s arrival. And, lastly, what would Christmas be without the sounds of the toy train sets click clacking and whistling around the tree to delight both young and old.

Close your eyes and imagine yourself as the child you were at home during the Christmas season. What memories come to you when you smell cinnamon, pine, or peppermint? Yes, these fragrances are triggers of comfort and joy. When you decorate your home with candles you have a wide variety of ‘home’ scents to choose from. Sugar cookie, pine tree, candy cane, apple pie, cinnamon bun…these are actual candle scents that are sold in stores today. The purpose is to put the recipient in a mellow mood and it is very effective.

Other ways to decorate your home with fragrances is through your own natural Christmas tree. It does not have to be a cut tree, if you prefer there are small, potted plants that can be cared for and planted in the spring. Boughs cut from the branches of evergreen trees can be tied together and used as garland on stairway rails or mantels.

Sprigs of cinnamon tied together and hung throughout the house is another clever way to bring in the smell of Christmas. These can be added to a pot of simmering apple cider for a cozy fragrance that will permeate throughout the house.

Part of the excitement of Christmas comes through preparing the house for the holidays. Decorations are one way we do this. It is not just a visual journey. Our senses include our olfactory and auditory regions of the brain. That is why there is so much more to Christmas and its memories than meet the eye.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas of sight, sound and smell.