DIY Christmas Decorations

No other holiday encourages decorations quite like Christmas.

Who doesn't love a home filled with festive garland, scents of pine cones and the warm inviting look of Poinsettias? There are numerous ways to fill your home with the sights, sounds and scents of Christmas.

Of course, it wouldn't be Christmas without a tree. Whether you choose to cut one down yourself or buy one in a store, a tree is definitely the main decoration and is usually displayed in a living room or family room. A Christmas tree can be decorated with so many lovely things: sparkling lights, garland, ornaments of all kinds, popcorn and other homemade treats and of course candy canes and chocolates.

Another popular Christmas decoration is the Nativity Scene. Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the animals and the Three Wise Men serve as a reminder of why we celebrate this Christian holiday throughout the world.

There are literally hundreds of decorations you could fill each of your rooms with; you can do a little or a lot, depending on how much you love the Christmas season. Snowmen, Santa and reindeer ornaments can adorn your front yard, or you may just choose to string a few energy-efficient light bulbs around your front door. The possibilities are endless and are only limited by your imagination.

Shopping for Christmas decorations doesn't have to be a harrowing and stressful experience. If you don't want the hassle of buying anything from your local department store, you can always choose to shop online. There are dozens of online retailers who have a great selection of decorations to fit your needs and your style.

You'll find a wide variety of items that will fit any budget. Of course, you don't want to spend so much on decorations that you don't have any funds left for gifts! But, some decorations do actually make great gifts, especially host and hostess gifts. A small trinket or Christmas tree ornament is the perfect way to say thank you to your hosts. A Christmas plate or mug can also make a great gift, while adding to their home décor at the same time.

You can transform your home into a spectacular wonderland of red, green, gold and silver with many different types of decorations. Banners, lights, garland, statues, and a host of other items can turn your home into a warm, inviting place to visit for the holidays.

The two most important elements of Christmas decorating are the tree and the lighting. Nothing really beats the smell of a real pine tree, but if you want to create a trendy look, a pre-lit twig or feather tree might be the right choice to suit your décor theme. The secret of a successful tree is to use a maximum of three colors, shapes and materials when dressing it. To create an interesting tree, make some of your baubles edible - out of chocolate, candy, dried fruits & nuts.

When it comes to lighting, use a variety of illumination systems. Wrap fairy & string lights around door frames & banisters, hang them in the windows, pile them up in glass vases, run them across the dining table, or make them into a garland. Use rope lights outside your home - around your windows, doors, pathway and trees. Pile church candles together on the mantel, in large containers, across the dining table or in unused fireplaces. Put scented tea lights in your windows, on shelves and coffee tables.