Christmas Decorating The Traditional Way
When it gets to be the holiday season, many people start thinking about all those Christmases of our childhood and all the great memories we have of those times. It also gets us thinking about new experiences we could have and that starts to build up the anticipation and excitement. While new things are great, a lot of the things we do at Christmas are from hundreds of years of tradition that mean so much to many. So, carrying on those great Christmas traditions means keeping it light, simple and festive throughout the season. And Christmas decorations are one of the most traditional things we do.
Most people think that decorating for Christmas is as simple as putting up the tree, tossing a few lights and baubles on it, sticking a star on top and saying "Done!" These "instant" trees are the reason most have that attitude, when you can simple pull it out of the box and voila, it's ready to go. Thirty seconds and you're done with Christmas decorating for the year.
A true traditionalist would be horrified. Not only is that the barest minimum you'll do for Christmas decorating, it isn't even an honest job of it. Traditional decorations start with the tree, but will encompass a wide variety of other things including poinsettia plants and Christmas wreaths made from a wide variety of tree branches, pine cones and shrubs. Most traditionalists use wreaths to decorate a room to add detail or to accompany a theme.
Wreaths of all sizes can be used in a variety of ways. Large ones are usually very ornate and hung from the doors of the homes to show how festive and special the Christmas occasion is. Smaller wreaths are used as wall décor in group areas like the living room and dining room. You can put candles inside smaller ones that have been laid on tables making them the focal point. To emphasize the larger, more detailed centerpiece, smaller wreaths can be used as complimentary end pieces on your dining room or coffee table.
Traditionalists will find all the historic reasons to use all of the different decorations. Whether it's the reason for the garland on the Christmas tree, or the meanings for all the different wreath makings, traditionalists bring forward everything they can. As much as they love to carry on the great Christmas traditions with their decorations, isn't there a time we all appreciate those great Christmases from the past?
About the Author
Hanging Christmas wreaths are just one of the things Andi Beark likes to do around the holidays. Andi and her family love the Christmas season because it means putting up and decorating the tree, drinking warm cocoa on a cold night, hanging lights and getting beautiful Christmas flowers for the house. Visit http://www.teleflora.com/christmas-flowers/christmas-wreaths-garlands-85517_90219c.asp to see all they can so for you.
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