Surviving Christmas

A personal guide to surviving Christmas with style and grace!

Where to Get Last Minute Christmas Decorations

Posted by Unknown

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

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Save Big Bucks on Christmas Decorations

Posted by Unknown

Are you planning on decorating your home for Christmas this year? If so, have you completed the first step?

When it comes to decorating for Christmas, the first step is getting the decorations. Unfortunately, in today’s world, many families are finding it difficult to afford “extras,” including Christmas decorations.

However, there is good news. If you are on a budget, there are still a number of different ways that you can get your home decorated for Christmas. You can do so with low-cost Christmas decorations.

For some individuals, a low-cost Christmas decoration is an item that only costs one dollar, for others it is five, and for others it can be fifty dollars. That is why it is important, when looking for low-cost Christmas decorations, that you keep this in mind.

However, no matter what your view of low-cost is, there are still a number of different ways that you can go about decorating for Christmas.

Go for a Walk!

Perhaps, the easiest way to save money while decorating for Christmas is to not buy any Christmas decorations!

Beyond using items gifted to you, and those you have saved up over the years, why not take a walk through the neighborhood? With a little ingenuity, even plain fallen branches can be made into stunning Christmas decorations – and all it costs you is time! (OK... maybe a little bit for craft supplies...)

Branches, leaves, sprigs of evergreens or holly (remember to ask first!!) are all great decorations, and of course can be had for no money. Many times, if a store sells live trees, the broken off branches can be had for nothing as well.

And, I have a whole post on ideas for natural Christmas decorations that will give you even more ideas along these lines!

Buying Decorations “On The Cheap”

I know I am posting this in December – but – think about yard sales and such next spring! Ornaments and even artificial trees can sometimes be found. Especially if people are moving, these items might be among those they would prefer to purchase at their new place rather than pay to move with them.

Flea markets are famous for selling decorations of a vintage nature, but watch your prices. Some of the older decorations go for many times the price of new ones, so you really have to be in love with the item to pay those sorts of prices.

For purchasing new decorations, check out the post specifically for that. You can find them literally every and anywhere!

I would caution, though... The absolute best time to purchase Christmas decorations is the weeks following the holiday. Sure, you can save 50 to 60% if you shop the week after Christmas, but everybody – and I do mean everybody! - tends to dump decorations and Christmas crafting items at 70 – 90% off in late January.

Save up a bit and partake of the really good sales!

Craft Your Own!

I am a HUGE fan of making your own. Elegant and fancy, plain, unique and completely personalized – making your own is about the most inexpensive next to going with all natural decorations?

You don't need sewing skills to make some absolutely gorgeous felt decorations! All it takes is some felt, a pair of scissors and a little fabric glue! If you want to get fancy, you can add sequins, beads, lace, embroidery and so on.

Do you knit or crochet – or both? There are literally thousands of pattern books out there for Christmas decorations. You can find them used through both Ebay and Amazon as well as locating the latest new patterns in both places.

A little paint and some smooth stones from the yard can make cute decorations – and if you don't mind painting, think of things like walnuts in-the-shell, waxed fall leaves, silk flowers and so on.

Any local craft section or store will have so many ideas for you it'll make your head spin. Most of the holiday craft kids are for more than a single item, and are fast and easy to put together, with simple instructions included.

Or you can get really creative and buy supplies to make your own original ideas as well! Bags of pom-poms, a little felt and a couple beads make cute snow-men. Fabric “yo-yo's” can be used singly or stitched into hundreds of different ornaments. (They even have a gadget for you to make your own yo-yo's out of any old clothes or scrap fabric you might have lying around!)

Feathers, singly or worked into a craft project, are perfect Christmas decorations. They are sold by the bag, and come in any color (or natural) you can think of. All shapes and sizes, too!

These are just a few ideas for you so that you can spend as little as possible and still have a lavishly decorated home and tree for Christmas.

If you have any ideas you can share, please post a comment below – we'd love to hear from you!

Many Blessings
GrannySue



As you can easily see, there are a number of different ways that you can go about finding or making your own low-cost Christmas directions. Although you may be worried about the quality of those decorations, you shouldn’t be. Most times, it isn’t necessarily about the Christmas decorations themselves, but they way that they are presented or arranged.

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Ideas for Christmas Decorating at Work

Posted by Unknown

Its always nice to add a little holiday cheer to your place of work. It helps you keep the spirit when you would rather be at home with the family!

There are a couple things to consider when decorating at the office...

Remember, You Are At Work...

First, you don't want to provide too much of a distraction! Flashing lights playing holiday music might just be a little over the top. Stick with things that will sit on your desk, or a small strand of lights that will be seen mainly by you at your desk.

If you have a cubicle, Christmas cards, cut outs and small figurines should do the trick. Even a Christmas plant would be a nice touch.

You can find tiny Christmas trees (decorated, or you can also get your own ornaments for them) that are less than a foot tall. You can also get live plants if they are allowed. Try using silk if you can't bring in live ones. Most Christmas plants will survive quite well for the season even with office lights.

Just putting a small, wrapped, empty box on your desk can sometimes be enough to remind you of the season while you are at work (and if your desk is like mine, that might be all the room you have, too!)

Most of your office decorating items can be brought from home, and saved to use from year to year. You really should probably stay away from things you only use once – after all – in theory you're going to be doing this every year for a long, long time.

Bring in the Scent of the Season!

A pomander tucked next to your computer, or a bowl of holiday potpourri works well, too! Especially at work, scent is as potent as scenery.

Some short sprigs of spruce or pine work well, and there are teeny tiny ornaments you can purchase to hang on them if you wish. A small vase will scent a large area and look beautiful while not being distracting to others.

Even if you can't have food, you can get scented wax ornaments that smell like everything from hot chocolate to cookies to pine trees... A couple of these strategically placed will keep you and anyone walking by in the spirit throughout your work day.

Do think about scented items! You'll be amazed at the Christmas spirit you can invoke in people as they walk by and get a whiff of pine, peppermint or such like! With a tiny, non-distracting visual reminder to boot, you could uplift someone's entire day.

Got More Space to Play With?

If you have a little more leeway, and a blank wall, what about using plain green napkins to tape a “Christmas tree” to the wall? You simply open them up, gather at the center (so the corners hang like a cone) and tape the gathered tip to the wall in a triangle. (Start at the bottom and work to the tip!)

You can get fancy and use brown under it for a trunk, or red for a “box” look so it appears to be in a stand.

You can decorate your “tree” with paper-doily angels, tuck in Christmas cards (or even a few gift tags), tape on a strand or two of garland, and voila! It comes back down in a jiffy, doesn't create a mess, and you can toss it or recycle the paper after the holidays.

If you have the room, and permission, you can also wrap a few empty boxes and create quite a display with them in a corner or under the “office Christmas tree.” To put these “up” with your napkin tree, try simply folding the paper (so the edges aren't “raw”), tape on a ribbon or bow, and just tape them to the wall around the bottom of the tree!!

You can create quite a lovely vignette without much time, effort or even creativity. (But come on... Everybody is creative – we just don't think we are!)

Simple and Understated, Yet Festive

As with certain areas of your home, you can also simply put a clear vase filled with ornaments on your desk, or hang a few bows and ribbons for a nice festive touch.

And, nobody says you can't toss a bit of bright Christmas-y material over the back and seat of your office chair!

If the boss allows it, and if you want to share – why not put up a nice little candy dish filled with hard candies for the holidays? Just remember if you are allowed to do this that you will be refilling that bowl often – treats like that are hard to come by sometimes! But – its also a terrific ice-breaker if you are new to the office.

Decorating your office for Christmas is largely a matter of what is allowed where you work. But, there are always things you can do to bring the spirit with you to work – even if you only have the corner of your desk to show off.

If you have any suggestions, please post a comment below! Join the party!
Many Blessings,
GrannySue

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Easy Christmas Decorating Tips

Posted by Unknown


 
When it comes to decorating for Christmas, there are many individuals who place a focus on one room and one room only. Usually, this is the room where company is hosted, and so it is the focal point of the entire season.

While this main room is going to be the focus of everyone's attention, you might also want to think about decorating the rest of your home.

A small touch here and there will bring the Christmas spirit to every room, give guests and family something to notice and appreciate, and will tie the entire house together rather than segregating just one room for your celebration.

In a small amount of time, and for very little money, you can easily show your holiday spirit in each and every room of your home.

Since, the room in which your Christmas tree is in was already touched on, it is best to focus here on other rooms, besides your living room, family room, or den.

Decorating the Bathroom??

Perhaps, it is best to focus on the bathroom. After all, it is one of the most used rooms in any home! If you are interested in decorating your bathroom for Christmas, you can often do so with a few small, yet affordable Christmas decorations.

You can hang a Christmas picture in your bathroom or replace some of your bath towels with Christmas bath towels. If you want to, you could even replace your bathmat or shower curtain with one that has a Christmas theme.

A simple greenery garland over the window or mirror frame, or a small vase on the back of the toilet or on the counter top will bring the season into the room without being gaudy.

How 'Bout the Kitchen...

The kitchen is another room that you could easily decorate for the Christmas holiday season. Since I spend most of my time here even when not at the stove, I always decorate the kitchen.

With the kitchen, like the bathroom, there are a number of low-cost ways that you can go about getting your decorating done. For instance, did you know that you can purchase Christmas themed potholders, over mitts, and kitchen towels for only a couple of dollars each?

If money is not an issue, you may why not add some Christmas themed kitchenware into the mix! For a little bit more money, but still a relatively affordable price, you should be able to find matching sets of bowls, plates, and cups that come with pre-designed Christmas themes.

Don't Forget the Bedrooms!!

You may also want to decorate the bedrooms in your home, especially if you have children.

One Christmas decorating idea that all children love is Christmas lights. In fact, there are some children who decorate their rooms with Christmas lights all year long. Simply by hanging Christmas lights along the perimeter of your child’s room, you could easily help to create a Christmas-like feel in their room.

If you or your child would prefer not to have Christmas lights in the bedroom, you could easily hang a small Christmas picture in their room. This picture can be a nice framed one or it can be one of the Christmas cardboard cutouts that you can purchase in a package at most dollar stores.

And Then... The Yard

In addition to decorating the rooms inside your home, you may also want to think about decorating the outside of your home as well.

If you are looking for a simply way to showoff your Christmas spirit, you could easily run Christmas lights along the outside of your home. There are special Christmas lights that are developed just for this purpose.

If you would like to do more, you could also decorate your lawn for Christmas. A few Christmas yard signs may be nice; however, you can go even larger than that.

There are a number of retail stores that sell large inflatable Christmas trees, reindeer, or Santas. I've run the gammut here. My father collects the lighted deer and trees, so one year we had a whole HERD of deer on the lawn.

Personally – I would rather have one or two of them with maybe a tree, and then icicle lights on the gutters. Its simple, elegant, and doesn't cause the executives at the local electric company to start twitching (or me when the bill comes!)

As always – please post some of your own favorite ideas below!!
Many Blessings,
GrannySue

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Natural Christmas Decorations

Posted by Unknown

There are a ton of reasons I can think of to use natural items for your Christmas decorating! First, let's face it - they are mostly free. Next, they bring a touch of the outside into your home - which is always welcome at this time of year.

Natural decorations abound right in your own yard - all you have to do is open your door! Just about anything you find can be made into a festive arrangement, an ornament or a gift decoration or tag.

If you are short on cash, don't like what you see in the stores, or are just in the mood for something a little different - consider the following options!

Pine Cones

The first item that comes to mind for me is pine cones. Pine cones are almost an intrinsic part of the Christmas season. There are so many shapes and sizes, and so many different things you can do with them!

Being the “fruit” of most evergreen trees, pine cones naturally go with Christmas trees. They can be hung “as is” for ornaments, but you can also paint them in the brilliant colors associated with the season, Roll them in glue and glitter, cut them apart and use the “petals” for application on other sorts of ornaments, and even tuck cotton balls in them to make them look like miniature Christmas trees!

Pine cones, plain or painted/glittered, can also be put into a bowl or vase to serve as a lovely natural reminder that even during the long, cold days of winter there is both beauty and abundance in nature!

They also look gorgeous hung from a wide ribbon in the middle of a window. Try hanging three of varying lengths for a very elegant effect.

Like Walnuts? Why Not Use Them to Decorate?

Next, we come to nuts. Traditionally, English walnuts were used as ornaments and decorations. In Victorian times, gilded walnuts were hung from the tree, and placed in bowls. These days, a can of spray paint will serve this need inexpensively. (Of course, gold isn't the only color you can use!)

Yes, the nuts are still edible – so long as you've chosen to paint those with no cracks in the shell!

They also make pretty package decorations, and can be wired to ribbon, some greenery or even silk flowers for an extra-special touch.

Sprigs of Green from Bushes and Trees

Of course, sprigs from any evergreen, holly bush or ivy are perfectly appropriate as well. Hang them in festoons over the top of large furniture, window and door frames, or place them upright in vases! You can even hang ornaments and candy canes from them to make them even more festive.

Consider wiring sprigs from different evergreens (or all from one kind) into your own wreath. Forms can be purchased at any craft or department store. Wire, straw and styrofoam are all readily available – or you can simply wire them without a frame for a more “free-form” style. Ribbons, bows, ornaments or sprigs of holly berries will finish the look.

If you think ahead in the fall, you can capture dry leaves and dip them in wax to create ornaments of all varieties! They will even store well given proper attention and gentle packing. Magnolia leaves have been used for everything from single-leaf decorations to gilded swags for windows – and even to make wreaths!

Sprigs of holly give a nice touch – but be warned... Those thorny leaves become incredibly hard and sharp when they dry! Yes – worse than when on the bush. However, paying attention to those fingers when working with it will go a long way to ensuring beauty without pain!

Sprigs make lovely package decorations, can be tucked into the tree as ornaments, and even in a small juice cup as a table decoration. Ivy works this way as well.

Raid the Produce Section

Fruit can be dusted with sugar to make it sparkle, and can be in a bowl, on a bed of greenery, or decorated and hung by ribbon (think pomanders). Oranges, apples, and grapes are the most popular for this sort of thing. A wide, clear vase filled with citrus (you don't have to limit yourself to only oranges!) pomanders is a pretty addition to any sideboard, and you can be very inventive with patterning. It will also help to scent the room throughout the holidays.

Once dry, pomanders can be stored and used again, or simply left where they are to continue delivering their special magic. They can also be hung by ribbons to decorate the tree, the window or a door opening – and even hung from stair rails!

Craft a Few Yourself

Dried and waxed leaves can create wreathes, package decorations, centerpieces and even gift tags. While its a little late for this sort of thing right now, its something to jot down for ideas next fall.

While its a bit off topic here, if you have old clothes or scrap fabrics in holiday colors, cut them up and sew a few items for the tree or mantle! I'm a big fan of recycling, and items I can't donate to a local resale shop usually wind up with a myriad of inventive new lives!

If you are good with basketry, get some long pine needles and make miniature baskets! These can hold a single piece of candy, a small ornament, or dried flowers and look great on the tree.

Need something new to add to a Christmas train under the tree?? With a little glue or resin you can use pebbles and items found in the yard to make buildings, bridges, and even park benches. Use old cans, milk cartons or even a bowl lined with waxed paper as a mold.

Just about anything you find in your yard can be turned into very festive natural decorations for the holidays. Even if you live in an apartment and don't have a yard, many of these items can also be found at craft stores, and perhaps even on Craigslist or similar sites!

You might need a little glue, paint or glitter to spruce them up a bit, but you'd be amazed what you can come up with simply by walking out your own back door.

I hope these ideas have sparked your imagination!! I'll be posting some more ideas and some simple and easy instructions soon.

Many Blessings,
GrannySue

PS: I would love to hear any ideas you have as well! Help me make this blog into a community, and share your tips and ideas in the comments below -

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Decorating Your Christmas Tree

Posted by Unknown

As the Christmas holiday season starts to approach, a large number of individuals and families start decorating for Christmas. While just about anything in the home can be decorated, a large amount of focus is placed on the Christmas tree.




Since there is a good chance that you may want to purchase a Christmas tree this year, you may be wondering about your decorating options. 

 Perhaps, the most common Christmas decoration used on a Christmas tree is lights.

What is nice about Christmas lights is that you have a TON of options when using them. Depending on the type of Christmas lights you use, if you choose to use them at all, you may be able to set your lights to sing a Christmas tune or flash in a certain pattern.

One idea here: They have special, green, indoor extension cords with sockets placed about two feet apart. These are well worth their price. Given the “rule of thumb” is 100 lights per foot, you need something that is SAFE for all those strings – especially if your tree is large.

Watch for the sets that have a remote to turn them on and off – this option is worth its weight in GOLD. I despise having to get behind the tree, under the cloth and unplug the blasted thing every day during the season. Its SOOO much easier to push a button!

Aside from Christmas lights, Christmas ornaments are another one of the most commonly used Christmas decorations, for Christmas trees.

Christmas ornaments come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles. You can find them in just about any style – there are Disney characters, ball ornaments, resin animals, angels, and more.

You can also make your own. (Check out the posts under “Christmas Crafts” for some ideas!) Our tree hosts home-made and store-bought ornaments, and the main tree has no rhyme or reason – whatever we like when we shop or craft gets put on it.

We normally have several trees... Some are themed, but the main one hosts even ornaments that my Mother made when she was a child, gifts and other items – and now has 4 generations worth of keepsakes and crafts from our family.




You can “theme” your tree with your ornaments... Victorian, angels, teddy bears (my Mother had her own teddy bear tree every year), animals, fantasy, by color, even Star Trek and Disney characters. I've seen ornaments for hunters, fishermen, beer drinkers sports fans – you name it.

Christmas ornaments are most commonly hung from Christmas tree branches using ornament hooks, yarn, or thread.

While Christmas tree toppers, like all other Christmas decorations, come in a wide variety of different sizes, shapes, and styles, they are most commonly sold as angels or stars.

Despite the fact that many Christmas tree toppers are in the form on an angel, other popular toppers include stars, crosses, and Santas. In addition to coming in different sizes, you will find that many Christmas tree toppers are designed to light up, with Christmas lights, and some may even play a musical Christmas tune.

In addition to Christmas tree toppers, Christmas lights, and Christmas ornaments, garland is also used on many Christmas trees. In fact, it is sometimes rare to find a decorated Christmas tree that does not have garland on it. Christmas garland also comes in a number of different styles. Popular garland styles include floral garland and beaded garland. It is also possible to find pre-lighted garland.

In place of garland, tinsel is tossed on – which makes the tree look as if it had sparkling icicles hanging from it. If you are going to use this, toss it on after you have decorated your tree.

If you have small children (or cats, puppies, ferrets, etc) you might consider using mainly plastic or cloth ornaments – at least for the bottom half of the tree. These are hard, if not impossible to break, should not pose a danger to bare feet and paws, and can look just as good as glass.



A note if you have birds or kittens:

If you can't find them, look INSIDE your Christmas tree, about eye level, right next to the trunk or pole! Believe me... Kittens climb and birds, of course, love tree branches.

One year we had a litter of kittens – 9 of the little buggers... Each one of them had their favorite branch – AND – their own favorite color of lights. They do make the Christmas season interesting!

If you go the live tree route (or really, even with artificial trees), one item I find indispensable is a tree skirt. Usually I don't bother with purchased ones. I string plain white and blue strands of lights, and toss white sheets over them to look like snow.

The main benefit – beyond ambiance – is that it will catch most of the needles that fall off. And they DO fall off of artificial trees... just not in the numbers that come off of live ones.

With our main tree, its “the more the better” mainly because we all make ornaments every year, and we also have our favorite purchased ones. I usually opt for a little tinsel so as not to distract from the ornaments.

We usually have a ton of lights, too... I love to sit and gaze at the tree when everyone else is asleep, and I always get a little teary when I take the tree down in January, because I miss all the pretty colors that light up the night-time and give such a warm feeling. The house always seems plain and boring right after the holidays....

What are your favorite tree decorations?? Post suggestions below!

Many Blessings
GrannySue

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Decorating Bedrooms for Christmas

Posted by Unknown

Bedrooms, by their nature are private places of sanctuary. They are certainly not the place for lights flashing to programmed Christmas music (unless you're into that sort of thing!), but they can definitely use a little touch of holiday spirit just the same.


 The Master Bedroom

I love having simple decorations in the bedroom. Don't know why – just do. I guess its because I want to get as much of “the season” as I can in the few short weeks its here.

For me, I love to have a vase of Christmas flowers in the center of my dresser, and a garland around my mirror and window frame. I usually toss up a window cling or two as well.

My color scheme readily lends itself to Christmas decorating in my bedroom – creams, muted pinks and burgundy with a touch of sage. I can toss a couple crocheted pillows on my bed with a burgundy and cream colored quilt, and the room is decorated!

If you want to spring for it, there are bed sets – pillow shams, bedspreads, etc – that can be purchased. They do not necessarily have to have Santa and his reindeer on them, you can get reds, burgundy, greens and golds in solids and prints that work wonderfully.

Besides – if it goes with the regular décor, these things can be used year round. Its only the color and feel you are interested in anyway.

Decorating Younger Kids' Bedrooms

For kids rooms, of course the choice is up to their parents...

When my own daughter was little, I allowed her to have a full blown (though small) Christmas tree in her room. We made a day out of making and buying ornaments for it and everything.

There were always paper cut outs, window clings and lights, too.

For some kids, this is a bedtime distraction that parents just don't want or need to deal with – especially for really little ones. However, even for babies, a cut out or two brings Christmas into the bedroom without overwhelming little nervous systems!

Christmas Decorations for Older Kids' Rooms

For older kids – I left the choices up to my daughter. Once she was about 12, I let her decide what and how much she put up in her room, and only helped if I was asked to join in. Of course, this meant that if anything needed to be purchased, she either had to use her allowance or do extra chores.

One year she went out and bought a 6 foot live tree for her room, and all the lights to go with it! I didn't say a word, but she learned the value of the money she'd spent when she ran out for her shopping and had to do quite a few chores and errands to earn what she needed for shopping...

Christmas Ideas for the Guest Room

Guest rooms are best sparingly decorated... Tossing a nice comforter with Christmas colors on the bed, and maybe having a small vase with ornaments in it on the dresser is more than enough. If you want more, consider plain greenery garlands over door, window or mirror frames, and perhaps an elegant runner under the vase on the dresser.

Unless you are sure to have company, minimal decorations bring in the spirit without causing a head-ache over packing after the season is over.

Do you decorate the bedrooms in your home? I'd love it if you would share your ideas here!!
Many Blessings
GrannySue

Got any ideas for us all?? Be sure to take a moment to post them below!

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Christmas Decorating Ideas for the Bath

Posted by Unknown

Are you one of those wonderful individuals who loves the Christmas holiday season?

Although you might not have given it much thought, why not consider decorating your bathroom for Christmas? There are a number of Christmas decorations that would look great in your bathroom.

If you are looking for a simple, easy, but traditional way to decorate your bathroom for Christmas, you may want to try hanging a Christmas picture in the room.



Quick and Easy

Whether that picture is an elegant framed picture or just one made of cardboard, such as a cardboard cutout of Santa or a Christmas tree, you could easily transform your bathroom with one simple Christmas picture.

I know, I know... it gets steamy in there! But, I have found that even if you use tape, so long as you do so opposite the tub, it should be fine throughout the season.
Going All Out

You can also decorate your bathroom for Christmas with the purchase of Christmas towels and washcloths. Depending on where you shop, you should be able to purchase a Christmas bathroom set, compete with matching towels and washcloths.

In your search for Christmas towels or washcloths, you will find that many are designed as if they were for children, with cartoon-like characters. If you are looking for a more elegant Christmas style, you should also be able to find that as well.

Given retailers' love of the season, it is also possible to find sets, complete with towels, cloths, mats, toilet covers and even shower curtains. They have certainly made our choices almost limitless...

Simple and Elegant

I normally don't go that far.... A simple burgundy towel over the back of the most-used-feature, with a small vase or figurine is elegant, inexpensive and festive.

When I go “all out,” I also have a porcelain soap dish, cup and toothbrush holder set that I can put at the sink, and I use the tiny glass ornaments to festoon the plant I have hanging in the corner. However, some folks like a bit more bling than I do!

You can purchase a 9 foot greenery garland for less than $10, and if that's not enough for the mirror or window, you can dress it up with ornaments, lights, or you-name-it!

This being the smallest room of the house, yet the most used (during waking hours) next to the kitchen, it is a nice touch to have at least something “Christmas-y” in there!

Simple and elegant, or over-the-top, having a little something to show your spirit in the bathroom is always a nice touch.

Most of all - have fun!!

And – please share your ideas below -

Many Blessings,
GrannySue

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Tips for Decorating Your Kitchen for Christmas

Posted by Unknown

While decorating your Christmas tree is a big part of the Christmas holiday, it is not the only room in the house that would benefit from a touch of holiday cheer!

Ladies, since we spend most of our time in the kitchen, why shouldn't we enjoy Christmas there, as well? For whatever cause, many people forget about this room.

Start With What's Visible!

Perhaps one of the reasons for this is because they simply overlook the idea that there are an unlimited number of Christmas decorations that are designed especially for the kitchen.

The most inexpensive and simplest thing you can do is to go out to the department store and get a felt-backed plastic table cloth for your kitchen table. Its cheap – its Christmas-y – and you can toss it after the holidays if you wish without feeling guilty.

One of the most popular ways to decorate your kitchen for Christmas is by purchasing and using Christmas themed potholders and towels. You don’t even necessarily have to use them.

Just having a potholder with a picture of Santa, snowflakes, or reindeer should be enough to bring the Christmas spirit into your kitchen.

In addition to potholders, you can easily find matching oven mitts, as well as kitchen towels that come with a Christmas theme. Hang these items in your kitchen and they can easily be considered Christmas decorations.

Moving to the Fridge

A large number of retail stores, both on and off-line, carry a fairly large selection of Christmas magnets. What is nice about these Christmas magnets is that they come in a number of different forms.

You could easily purchase some cheap plastic magnets, the ones that look like they were made for kids, or you also purchase more elegant magnets, often handcrafted ones. In fact, it is even possible to purchase Christmas magnets that double as Christmas frames.

What better way to bring the Christmas spirit into your kitchen than combining your Christmas decorations with pictures of your family?

Besides... During the holidays – if you have kids in school – there's going to be a whole house full of craft projects they bring home – those magnets are perfect for showcasing their artwork on the fridge!!
Changing Out the China

You can also decorate your kitchen for Christmas by using Christmas kitchenware. Everything from flatware to entire sets of china, drinking glasses and bar-ware can be found with a Christmas theme.

HINT: If you own such items – don't just save them for company!!! Use them as your everyday family dishes during the holidays. Really. Personally – I don't save any of my “good” dishes just for company – I and my family are special, too!
Simple But Elegant

A lovely poinsettia or a vase with some red roses or white lilies as a centerpiece on your kitchen table or in an out-of-the-way-but-still-visible corner of your kitchen counter is easy to care for and always welcome.

A greenery garland (with or without “extras”) over the window frame is a nice touch, too.

I do have to say....

Once-upon-a-time (a long, long time ago!) I worked as a manager in a card-and-party store... After Christmas one year, the owner allowed us to take our employee discount in addition to the after-Christmas sale prices – effectively making our purchases 90% off...

Consequently – from table cloths to wrapping paper, cut outs to garlands – our home is festooned from top to bottom, including cut outs on each kitchen cabinet (top ones only if you have kids or pets, please!), as is every room in our house.

I don't do gaudy (EEEK!), but I do make it VERY abundantly clear what my favorite holiday of the year is!!

As always – questions, comments and suggestions are ALWAYS more than welcome – in fact – they are much appreciated!!

Many Blessings,
GrannySue

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Christmas Tree Themes

Posted by Unknown

Choosing between all the possible Christmas tree themes can be an interesting experience. There are as many ways to decorate those trees as there are people who decorate them! Some choose a theme for their Christmas trees.

Some Simple Ideas

Some people choose their Christmas tree theme by having everything a particular color. For instance, there are some who choose to have a white Christmas tree with gold or red decorations.

My Aunt, used to have a white tree, with white lights, and heavenly blue ornaments and garland which looked wonderful. Sometimes she’d switch up and use white and blue lights, and I thought that was the greatest thing since gingerbread cookies!

Choosing a theme by color can create a very elegant display that can be carried to other rooms, to the outside of the house, or to your entire holiday decoration plan.

The only limits are those of your imagination and pocketbook! And, if you choose “standard” colors, you’ll find an enormous variety of items at rather inexpensive prices.

Some parents want their Christmas tree theme to be a cartoon character or something else their kids enjoy.

 Disney has made this theme very easy (though not inexpensive), by creating special ornaments for nearly every beloved character in their repertoire. There are even character-based Christmas lights.

Other great themes I've seen are angels, teddy bears, or decorations typical of an historic era, such as Victorian, or even colonial. There are Star Trek themes, food themes, and flowers, too. Honestly, use your imagination - its fun!

Be aware that anything "different" and you may spend days or even weeks searching for Christmas tree decorations; Christmas tree decorations that may also cost more money than you are willing to pay.

 So, if you are interested in decorating your Christmas tree with a theme, but without having to go through all of the hassle and expense, I’d advise you to take the simplest approach.

Where, When and How

If you do decide to choose a Christmas tree theme, you may want to think about shopping for your decorations early. People start shopping in October and November, so if you wait much longer than that to start, things will be pretty well picked-over.

 The earlier you start, the better your chances of finding just the “right” decorations for your particular theme.

The best time to decide if you want to theme your Christmas tree, is immediately after “this“ Christmas season. Not only will you find some items very inexpensively right after the holidays, but you will have all year to shop and create your own decorations.

Children adore arts and crafts, and handmade decorations add charm and warmth to any Christmas tree theme.

They are easily and beautifully combined with purchased items, and will save a lot of money for you. Not only that, but it is one more activity to bring the family together during the holiday season, and will create many wonderful memories for all involved.

For those who insist on purchasing all of their decorations, shop local stores first. During the season, even craft, hardware and grocery stores have pre-made ornaments.

You should definitely also give online shopping a try. In fact, if you are planning on having a somewhat unique Christmas tree theme, you will find it easier to locate what you are looking for online.

Be sure to examine the time that it will take to theme a Christmas tree.

When it comes to themed Christmas trees, most folks want to have their tree look exactly as they envisioned it in their mind. This can take a lot of time and experimenting.

This does not mean you shouldn’t do it, it just means that you many want to consider if you really have the time to do so.

One Final Thing

One final consideration is what to do with themed Christmas tree decorations after the holidays are over.

Is your Christmas tree theme something you intend to live with for more than one season?

If not, figure out what to do with all those decorations before you start buying.

Ebay, yard sales and resale stores are great ways to dispose of themed decorations you no longer have use for.

Sometimes, depending on the item, they can also be re-purposed during other seasons. Some may be reused year after year. Some may be given as gifts, or even used as package decorations the following year.

I never advise purchasing items for Christmas that you’d simply toss in the trash after the decorations come down.

Always try to find some new use or a new “home” for unwanted decorations before considering adding them to the local landfill.

Post your favorite Christmas tree themes below!!

Many Blessings
GrannySue 

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