Decorating for Christmas

by Susan Clark

I focus first on the outside of the house. I cannot stand when people decorate haphazardly and seem to just toss their Christmas lights on the bushes and trees. Take a few moments to look like you are organized and have pride in your decorating skills. When I am decorating for Christmas, I want my house to look like my mother's used to - elegant. I only use the white twinkling lights in all of my decorating. I secure the outside Christmas lights to their chosen bushes, trees and front porch, and then tackle the inside of the house. I have a gorgeous spiral staircase that I absolutely love decorating for Christmas. I wrap the white lights up the staircase banister. My husband loves when I decorate the staircase. We have made it a family tradition to pick out our Christmas tree. Last year, we decided to cut down our own tree and it turned out to be a memorable experience.

It was not an experience I plan on repeating. My husband, daughter and I decided to go tree shopping on an incredibly cold, snowy day thinking that it would further set the mood. Instead, we argued and froze for hours. Sure, we did find a wonderful tree but the entire day consisted of nitpicking and complaining. This year, we'll simply visit the local Boy Scouts tree sale lot and bring it home without any major hassles. The best part of decorating for Christmas is the tree. After the lights are perfectly placed, the fun begins. Each one of us has our own favorite ornaments that we have to place in the perfect location. Decorating for Christmas is not complete without the carols softly playing in the background. I can't help but love the holiday season.

Decorating for Christmas has been effective in not only being a seasonal hobby for me but it has also become something that my family looks forward to. It brings us together during the most wonderful season of the year.