SNOWFLAKES have fallen and colourful lights shine through the streets of Manitoba. Ready or not... here comes Christmas.
The time has arrived to trim your tree and ring in this wonderful season. In fact, people all over the world will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of the first decorated Christmas tree, recorded in 1510 in Riga, Latvia. You have likely taken the same box of decorations from your basement year after year; perhaps you need a few fresh ideas.
After choosing and setting-up your tree the fun really begins, decorating. Unless you have purchased a pre-lit Christmas tree you will need to light up that baby with these hints.
String your lights from the inside out. Begin at the base and work your way up around every branch. Use lots of lights, in fact for every foot of tree height, use 100 lights. You can mix and match lights; they don't all need to be one colour.
The next step in adorning your tree is to choose a theme for 2010; this idea is a personal choice and may be omitted however it is something that you may want to consider. Theme ideas include: angels, teddy bears, snowflakes, stars, nativity, collectables or antiques, snowmen, poinsettias, favourite quotes or Bible verses, tiny mittens, candy, drums, kittens (not real ones) etc.
Or instead of a theme, decide on a colour combination. Begin by looking at the room in which the tree is to be placed, use colours related to the décor of the room. Exciting colour combination ideas for 2010 are red or blue or purple and silver or green or red or purple and gold.
Bring on the decorations. Instead of beginning with theme ornaments, start by arranging the "filler ornaments" around the tree. These would include basic solid color balls that are easily found at discount stores in a wide range of colors to co-ordinate and enhance your decorating scheme or decorations that you already have on hand. You'll need about 20 "filler ornaments" for every two feet of Christmas tree. Add depth and interest to your tree by hanging ornaments and other decorations inside of the tree instead of only on branch ends. Next hang themed ornaments around the tree remembering to decorate the back as well as the front of the tree.
You do not need to spend a lot of money to complete a fully decorated tree. Fill in spaces with baby's breath, and if you make or buy small red (or whatever colour you choose) bows, tie them onto the tips of the branches. Use colourful ribbons to tie together clusters of dried or silk flowers, pinecones or small twigs. Place them between branches where some fill is needed. Use wire to attach the clusters to the branches.
Of course the finishing touch on every Christmas tree is the topper which sits at the highest point of the tree. Toppers (like all other Christmas decorations) appear in oodles of sizes, shapes, and kinds. They're most typically sold as angels. However, other popular toppers include stars, crosses and generational hand-me downs. Toppers are typically the focal point of trees and should tie your entire theme together, and some now a days even play a musical Christmas tune.
Whether you have elaborately decorated your tree or filled it with handmade ornaments made by special little hands, turn on some music, grab a mug and then sit back and enjoy every moment of this amazing season.
