Tag: Christmas Decorations

The Christmas Ornament Is A Favorite Gift And Decoration

Posted on by actwd

The Christmas Ornament Is A Favorite Gift And DecorationThe Christmas ornament is a favorite of gift givers. Grandparents will start collections for their grandchildren, with the first one being Baby’s First Christmas. These can be personalized with the child’s name and birthdate or the year. Couples often have one to commemorate their first year of marriage. These too can be personalized with their last name, initials, and year of the wedding.

One family favorite is the Pickle. This tradition, said to have German roots, is a favorite of many children. Why? Because the first child to find the pickle hidden in the tree is supposed to receive a special gift from St. Nick himself. It is also said that if an adult finds it, it will give them a year of good luck. Who wouldn’t want to find that on their tree?

The history of the Christmas ornament is one filled with folklore and tradition. Most historians believe they originated from Germany and became an American mainstay starting in the 1840s. By 1935, they were in millions of American homes, and they continue to grow in popularity every year.

They started as hand-blown glass or hand-casted lead, and many producers have continued in this tradition adding to the intricacies of each piece. However, they are now made from various other materials including metal, resin, plaster, plastic, and various fabrics. Embellishments of all kind adorn each one. Some have real feathers or semi-precious stones and crystals for added interest.

Whether the ornaments adorning a tree hold fond childhood memories or they are a new addition to the tree, they are a gift rich with love and sentiment.

Things To Consider Before Buying Christmas Tree Skirts On Sale

Posted on by actwd

Things To Consider Before Buying Christmas Tree Skirts On SaleChristmas tree skirts that are on sale don’t have to become part of the ugly sweater contest at work. With the vast array to choose from, there is sure to be one that will fit just about any budget and the home’s overall decor. There are a few things to consider before making that final purchase and settling on something less than appealing.

Height: Consider the height of the tree when deciding on the diameter of the skirt. Even Christmas tree skirts that are on sale will have a variety of widths. For mini table tops, there are some that are as small as 4 inches on up to 20 inches in diameter. Their larger counterparts can go up to 56 inches in diameter. This size would be perfect for the 10 foot Fir in the family room.

Style: Does the tree have a theme or particular color palette? This would help determine the type of material, color, and any ornamentation the skirt would have. There is a classic white with red embroidered poinsettias and red trim, a traditional red velvet with the words Merry Christmas embroidered on it, and also shimmery gold and silver fabrics to adorn the base. For the mini table toppers, there is a Santa inspired wrap with plush red velvet and white trim that glimmers.

One quick search and there is sure to be a style and color that will work perfectly. Another benefit to wrapping the base is that it will protect the flooring beneath it should there be an accidental spill while watering, and it will catch quite a bit of the loose needles as well, making for a quick clean up.

Visiting An Online Christmas Store For Holiday Decor And Gifts

Posted on by actwd

Visiting An Online Christmas Store For Holiday Decor And GiftsAn online Christmas store is a great place for holiday items throughout the year. Whether it is décor items or personalized items, they can be a one-stop-shop for nearly any holiday needs. Personalization has become quite popular. It can take ordinary things and make them one-of-a-kind; something that has become more popular with Christmas items. From wreaths to water bottles, to platters and ornaments, more people are going the custom route.

Many people that look at an online Christmas store are looking for personalized ornaments to commemorate a significant day like a baby’s birth or a couples wedding day. Parents or grandparents will often customize ornaments for their kids and grandkids. However, they no longer are limited in their choices. Does their child have a unique name? Not a problem when each item can be customized. How about the grandson that plays multiple sports? The ornament can have a baseball, football, basketball, and golf ball if that suits the bill.

Unique gifts are on trend as well, and items that are personalized are meeting that need. A monogrammed tree skirt with the couple’s initials is a great way to commemorate their first Christmas together, or how about a holiday wall hanging with their wedding date on it? Again, personalization is the key to making these simple gifts unique.

A child’s teacher is often recognized during the holidays. A customized ornament is a great gift. So often teachers comment on how every year while they are decorating their tree they remember each child that has given them an ornament. Teachers will often choose to have a tree in their classroom and decorate it with ornaments from previous years.

Whether visiting an online Christmas store for personalized gifts or unique decorations, more people enjoy being able to shop any time of day in the comfort of their own home.

Xmas Wreaths Can Be Found In A Variety Of Options

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Xmas Wreaths Can Be Found In A Variety Of OptionsXmas wreaths are becoming a highly popular addition to many holiday decor collections. Whether real or artificial, pre-lit or adorned with colorful ornaments, they are sure to spread even more holiday cheer.

Who knew there was a history behind the use and symbolism of these seasonal pieces?  The Etruscans of 700 B.C. saw them as crowns, while the Greek and Roman empires placed a more symbolic meaning on them to represent key sacred figures. While widely used as holiday decor during contemporary times, some hang them to signify endurance throughout the cold winter months, as a reminder of the circle of life, or as a merry welcome to visitors.

Xmas wreaths can be found in an extensive variety of sizes, styles, and themes, depending on the overall look you’re going for. It’s a great idea to narrow down the options before the final purchase. Consider the location it will be placed; indoors or out, on a door or wall, and what is the surrounding decor? The placement can determine the materials it should be made of. There are artificial options as well as natural. Faux greenery may be plastic or fabric, they can contain tinsel or berries, or they can be constructed out of ornaments. While most contain branches of fir, cedar, or pine trees, there are plenty of other options as well. Those that are artificial can be carefully stored for future use. If it is decided to have a pre-lit variety there are more decisions to be made. Are LED, Fiber Optic, mini, colored, or white bulbs preferred? Each is illuminated with a compact and concealed battery pack. Lastly, what size would be best? Dimensions range from a petite six inches to several feet, depending on what will best showcase the greenery in the setting chosen.

Whether hung with a celebratory feel or for meaningful symbolism, Xmas wreaths are sure to brighten any room or entry point. There are a vast amount of options to choose from, so be creative and the final look is sure to be enjoyed throughout the season.

Looking For Nativity Figurines To Complete A Holiday Set

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There Are A Variety Of Nativity Figurines AvailableNativity figurines are in households throughout the world. Many families choose to display them throughout the year as well. This requires a durable material and quality craftsmanship to endure accidents or mishaps during the year, or to withstand unpacking and packing each holiday season.

Nativity scenes are crafted out of various materials including wood, a rubber base, marble, plaster, and ceramic. Many manufacturers are choosing to use a rubber based material to meet the needs of the customers; those who are seeking durability. And don’t let the word rubber-based lead to thinking these are poorly crafted. The exact opposite is true. Even these nativity figurines are being individually hand painted in Italy. Thus giving customers that unique look and resilience they are looking for.

Each set will be comprised of the infant Jesus, Mary and Joseph. These figures are often depicted in various forms, but the three are the foundation of any set. In addition to these are other pieces that can complement the set. Those items would include Palm trees or Cyprus trees, outbuildings, angels, the Star of Bethlehem, and a variety of livestock. Additional people would be Gabriel the Shepherd, Melchior, Gaspar, Balthazar, Nathan the vegetable merchant, and Andrew the potter, for example.

There is a variety of sizes available to suit any home or room. Many times children wish to have one in their room, and some sets are just right for them. There are large scenes that will compliment an oversized room with vaulted ceilings, as well as scenes that can adorn a fireplace mantle appropriately.