At Christmas time, being tacky and filling our homes with kitsch, is excusable. Colourful lights, various ornaments and mistletoe provide a joyful environment for us to hide our Gifts under the Christmas tree. Above all, preparing for Christmas feeds our anticipation for when it finally arrives – along with the gifts! Decorations create an atmosphere that makes us feel warm and at home with loved ones. Hanging ornaments on the Christmas tree is often considered an enjoyable activity with the family. In some cases, people will create their own decorations or gifts, with the help of their artistic skills! Different households have different methods of decorating their homes. Some rely on typical objects such as lights, ornaments and Santa figures while others shy away from them. They may wish to be less over-the-top and subtly decorate their homes with a few vintage ornaments. However one question remains, why do we decorate in the first place? After some research we have come to the following conclusions: Why people decorate their entire homes beside just the tree has several interpretations. Most of these traditions originate from hundreds of years ago when winter time was viewed as a time for celebration. The Christmas tree for example derives its history from the Germans who honoured these evergreen trees. The first time a tree was decorated inside, was by Martin Luther who displayed it with lights and put Christmas gifts underneath it. Holly is another example of am evergreen plant that is utilised for decoration and given as gifts at Christmas time, but some people believe that it also has religious connotations. Originating from the Pagans, mistletoe represents elements of the Christian religion and still symbolises fertility. Christmas Cards are considered to have originated from Britain in the 19th century due to increasing speed in mail delivery and flourishing technology. Over time the idea of Christmas decorations and gifts expanded. This means Christmas trees and Holly are not all that is displayed during the winter holiday period. Stockings, figures, banners, candles, seasonal gifts from previous years and the likes are brought out as well. Besides being for appearance purposes, such decorations may also be hand crafted by many creative individuals. If you have children, making Christmas decorations and hanging them up will help keep them busy and entertained as they wait to unwrap their Gifts Christmas decorations whether bought or crafted do not always have to be tacky or old-fashioned. They can be tasteful, contemporary or classic. For example ornate Christmas decorations made from polished glass, such as the 12 Days of Christmas. Not only do they make lovely gifts but can be hung on a Christmas tree as well. Being made from glass, makes these precious ornaments special and unique to be re-used every year or given away to loved ones as Christmas gifts. For those who are more creative minded, you can create your own Christmas cards to give along with your gifts. To make it easy, gift card materials can be acquired in sets and kits with different themes such as Santa’s Grotto, Vintage Moments, ‘Noel Noel’ and so on. Each of them include 5 cards and envelopes with appropriate decorations that can be assembled in any way you like Similarly a kit to make your own Christmas Crackers is a useful way to disguise some gifts at Christmas time. It provides a fun way to unwrap gifts and keep the family entertained in the evening. It makes up to 6 crackers with snaps, ties, coloured hats and labels. They are easy to make and therefore provide another opportunity to do something creative with your friends or relatives during Christmas time. Novelty gifts such as these are always well received A Vintage Christmas Stocking allows for further classical Christmas decorations and gifts. Made of cotton, it has an embroidered message and plenty of room for gifts and toys. Particularly for impatient children, it can be used for some preliminary Christmas gifts a few days in advance. We may never know what exactly made human kind decide to decorate the way we do at Christmas time. Perhaps it really was religion and history that sparked these traditions. None the less, we must admit that we love these tacky ornaments, colourful kitsch and millions of lights that we must dig out of our cellars and display annually. Let us not forget the fun we have when creating our own Christmas decorations, cards and Gifts from various materials. It gives us another reason to spend some time with our friend and families during the hectic winter holidays.

Christmas is fast approaching once again and now is the time to begin planning gifts and activities during the holiday season.  Finding the perfect gift just involves keeping your eyes open, knowing what the recipient likes and finding the best deal.  That’s why planning ahead can help to make the holidays less stressful so all you have to worry about is bringing yourself and of course any family. 

Of course you are usually shopping for many different people, each of whom has their own very unique and distinctive tastes.  Personally, I find that giving personalized gifts, making homemade keepsakes or finding items that allow the recipient to pursue their hobbies and interests are always the most appreciated gifts you can give your loved ones. 

Keepsake items like:  a personalized crystal or marble plaque, single or family style coaster sets, glass ornaments for an individual or the entire family, jewelry and jewelry boxes or valet trays, leather travel bags or luggage, sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, pajamas, terry robes or slippers, Swiss army knife, leather wallet, women’s tote bags and gift baskets come in a huge variety of colors, styles, sizes and themes sure to please even the most discriminating of tastes.  Plus all of these gift ideas can be personalized with names and dates, initials, a poem, a company’s logo or even a famous quote. 

Other items include but are not limited to:  coffee mugs or a thermos, can Koozies for keeping beverages hot or cold, crystal barware, glasses or decanter sets, vintage or modern looking pub signs for the home bar, sterling silver or leather business card holder, leather passport cover and picture frames or photo albums all make unique and thoughtful keepsake gifts that can be proudly displayed and used for years to come.

Personalized gifts are especially fun and unique as children’s gifts.  Children really love to see items made especially for them, later they become cherished keepsakes they will remember fondly.  Items like:  a letter from Santa, their very own book about them or about an adventure they had, baseball and glove, wooden or aluminum bat, piggy banks, blankets and or throws, room signs for both boys and girls, toys like a yo-yo or harmonica and finally you can have a sketch created of your child from a photograph or a funny caricature is also very memorable. 

Gifts can also be homemade which saves money and becomes a truly unique keepsake gift.  However for those of us who are not so creative, thankfully we can shop for uniquely crafted gifts.  Gifts like:  scented candles, blankets or Afghans, potpourri, photo albums and gift baskets can all be made at home or bought.  Plus they can all be tailored specifically to what the recipients like and their unique styles.

Other ideas are as follows:  banner or garden flags for an individual, pet or the entire family, a gift certificate to the recipients favorite store or stores, tickets to a concert or event and even etched glass plates, serving trays, bowls and candy dishes make fun gifts to both give and receive. 

Also hobby gifts like:  golfing accessories, wine gifts, hiking accessories, camping accessories, any special classes he or she may be interested in or even a hot air balloon ride or an African safari can be the best gift in the world depending on the individual.  Just make sure the African safari goes to your cousin and not to grandma who requires a walker to get around.

Recipients include:  your mother and father, girlfriend or boyfriend, grandmother and grandfather, spouse, the kids, any aunts or uncles and of course any in laws and other extended family like cousins and friends.  This is why Christmas gets so stressful.  With all the plans and a tight budget, sometimes we get a little swept away.  Remember though, the gift doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be well liked and appreciated; it just has to fit into the recipients lifestyle and needs to be something they want or can use. 

By planning ahead you will save yourself a lot of stress, plus time and money during the holiday season.  The holidays are a time of giving, so give to everyone on your list as well as yourself this year.  By taking advantage of sales throughout the year and planning ahead, plus remembering to take some time to unwind during and after all the festivities, you will find the holidays more enjoyable, less stressful and more memorable.  Happy Shopping