Surviving Christmas

As the holiday season rolls around, most of us start getting into the holiday spirit. One of the many ways that you may do this is by decorating your home for Christmas. If you are interested in decorating for Christmas, you will need Christmas decorations.

Now, I have to admit... When I first started with the idea for this article, it seemed rather silly. After all – most of us have been doing Christmas decorating since we were kids! Seems like it would be second nature for anybody, right?

Well, I have been asked questions about this so many times already this season that I just had to put something here on the blog! I guess I just take some things for granted...

Its easy for most of us to forget that each year many new families are started, kids move out on their own, and other things happen that cause people to become first time decorators – and they might need a few hints!

So – here we go!

Department and Dollar Stores

If you have yet to purchase your Christmas decorations, do you know where you can get them? Despite what you may believe, there are actually an unlimited number of places where you can buy Christmas decorations from.

When it comes to buying Christmas decorations, many individuals head to their local department store. This can be a great way to save time and sometimes even money. What is nice about department stores, as you likely already know, is that they carry a wide range of products, especially during the holidays.

It seems these stores start setting out their Christmas decorations about the minute after school starts these days. Watch for sales to spring up after Thanksgiving, though.

Dollar stores will save you even more money – though you have to look at what you are buying... Many times, these stores stock “seconds” - meaning the paint is chipped, the item is mislabeled, or any number of other issues.

Unfortunately, when it comes to dollar stores, many shoppers mistakenly believe that the items found inside dollar stores are poor in quality and not worth their time. The reality is that this is not always true. You can easily find a number of quality Christmas decorations, at an affordable price, just remember to pay attention.

Hardware and Home Center Stores

Hardware stores even get in on the Christmas spirit! While you might not normally consider this idea, most of them have a full line of selections from trees to lights to ornaments. You can find some really unique ideas here, too! Don't discount this idea – go have a look and you'll see what I mean.

Places like Menard's, Home Depot and Lowe's have HUGE selections on everything from trees to yard signs, and this is where you go if you need those big blow-up snow-globe santas for the yard. They also stock the outdoor light up reindeer and other items of this nature. Sometimes the prices are as good or better than at the “big box” stores...

Specialty Stores

Of course, there are “year round” Christmas stores, your local Hallmark, and so on – all are obvious choices, but you can also be creative.

Every craft store known to man has a huge selection of Christmas craft items readily available, from silk poinsettias to feather trees. Why not spend a couple bucks and make your own decorations?? At least consider making a couple.

Christmas decorations are collector's items. And, homemade ones make wonderful, personal and thoughtful gifts as well. Let you imagination go and make a few of your decorations yourself!

If you live near an historic district, a local house museum, or any museum or historic society office for that matter, do stop in. They will have something magical, and usually affordable. Not only that, but you will be supporting the organization, which – at least to me – doubles the value of the money spent.

Local Groceries and Drug-stores

And, don't forget your local grocery store and drugstore! Not only do they sell all sorts of Christmas gifts, but many have nice decorations available as well. As for the grocery, you can also find things like popcorn and cranberries for garlands, fruit to sugar for the table, and oranges to make pomanders. I love shopping the local grocery for Christmas decorations!

Support Your Local Economy

Last, but certainly by no means least, are the local “Mom and Pop” stores. They come in all shapes, sizes and genres. They might also be your neighbors! Any and every one of them will have something unique available so far as holiday decorations are concerned, and it is always nice to support your local retailers. These people work hard to find unique, interesting and often one-of-a-kind type decorations – so do partake!

If You Still Haven't Found the Perfect Christmas Decorations

Still haven't found that one item that will just send you over the top? The absolute must-have ornament or decoration that nobody seems to sell?

Well, its time to hit the net... Try Craigslist, Ebay, Etsy or do the infamous “google it!” - If you know what it is, mind you!

If you don't know just what you are looking for, this is a great way to figure it out... I've done it! I can waste a lot of time just floating around all the different items available on the web, and if I buy something – GREAT! If not, I've at least had a ton of fun!!

Have any novel ideas to share? Please post them below!!

Many Blessings

GrannySue