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