Great Christmas Decorations for that X-mas Spirit

As we get closer to Christmas, everyone's looking for their Christmas decorations to put up along with new Christmas decorating ideas. It's such a wonderful time of year, a magical season where thoughts of peace on earth, kind feelings and laughter abound. Let's look at some ideas to fire up your creative side.

Going to a production of the Nutcracker Suite is a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Many theaters in large cities sell unusual, Nutcracker-themed Christmas decorations in their gift shop.

Go to the mall, right after Thanksgiving. Their lavish displays can help inspire you with new ideas for Christmas decorations.

Baking cookies can do double duty if you set aside a portion of the batch to make into ornaments. Use a pencil to poke a hole for ribbon hanging before baking. Cookies and Christmas decorations in one fun activity.

Bake a gingerbread house. There are many recipes and patterns available in magazines. Use a variety of small candies, candy canes, gel icing, frosting and other edibles. String popcorn to use as “lights” for roof edging.

Outside lighting is one of my favorite Christmas decoration projects. If you have a porch or balcony, try weaving strings of lights around railings. Trees can be transformed into living Christmas decorations. There's no reason a potted plant on your balcony cannot be given the same treatment.

If your apartment is on the fourth floor, and you have no porch or balcony, use a staple gun (do not staple through the wire!) to dress your windows from the inside. Very pretty!

Many communities have whole neighborhoods participating in blocks of Christmas decorations and light displays. Visit one for inspiration if you have the opportunity. Kids love them.

The Nativity is one of the most beautiful Christmas decorations. An oval-shaped mirror placed beneath brings this display to life. Think of places in your home where this might be shown to best advantage. A buffet, coffee table, mantel or entry hall are good locations.

Make a wreath. Make garlands. String cranberries and popcorn for garlands or the Christmas tree. Explore the dried flower aisles of a craft store. You'll find many combinations of colors and textures to make festive vase displays in each room of your home.

Craft stores carry many types of wreath bases, and more Christmas decorations than you can shake a stick at! Many craft stores, especially at Christmastime, have handouts with pictures and instructions of many Christmas decorations you can construct with their products.

Now' s the time to get ready and spread some xmas holiday joy.

• antique christmas decoration
  
  Often times, treasures such as the antique Christmas decoration that I found can be found in antique stores or at auctions. I've even found some simple treasures at flea markets.