Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year...hands down.  It's the time when we have more time to spend with family and friends.  It's the time that we seem to share more of the love and hope that I'm certain God wants us to share all year-long.  What better time to make your home sparkle as a backdrop to the memorable moments you will share with friends, neighbors, and loved ones. 

If you're like me, each year it seems to be more difficult to pull the holiday look together, while running endless errands, and trying to maintain the family's focus on the things that are truly the reason fro the season.  To help alleviate holiday stress, I've come up with some basic things we can all do to ensure a beautiful and enjoyable Christmas.  Keep things simple by making sure that you have the following before the season begins:

• Have a fantasy tree.  This is the tree that typically resides in the living room or foyer and expresses your idea of Christmas.  This is tree that reflect your vision of a Christmas tree.  This is your tree.  Not your spouse's not your kids'.

 

Vickerman pre-lit 6.5 ft flocked white spruce is currently available for $479. Ships free!

• A spouse or kids'  tree.  Place another tree in the family room, play room, or rec room for your kids' handmade ornaments, or for your spouse's special interest.  Let 'em have at it!

Bronner's Hobbie Ornaments

• Two big wreaths that are 24" to 30" in diameter.  Nothing says welcome anytime of year like a big lush wreath.  Be sure to have one for your front door, and one to place above your fireplace.

Burton+Burton's 24 in Gold Ornament Wreath

• Christmas stockings.  Get one for each family member and stuff with of candy, cards, CD's, and beverage gift cards, etc.

• A roll of wrapping paper for each family member, plus one extra.  This is a good rule of thumb to prevent over purchasing wrapping paper...and gifts.  You can get a different color or pattern for each family member, and sorting out gifts on Christmas morning will be a snap.

• A roll of red velvet ribbon.  I recommend the big 50 yd rolls because you can't have too much of it!  It can be used as garland for trees and wreaths, made into bows, and tied around gifts.

• Eight welcome candle lights.  The tradition of placing candles in front and side windows dates back to the colonial era when it symbolized loyalty to family member absent from home and the warmth and security awaiting them inside.  Today, we use electric candles to extend the same warmth and welcome to friends and family at Christmastime.

• Twelve new ornaments.  Most of us break a couple (or more) and our tastes change from year-to-year.  By purchasing a few each year, you can change your style gradually and inexpensively while making sure that you have enough.