Useful Information

Decorating for Christmas used to be primarily focused inside the home. We can all remember, as children, the excitement of cutting or buying a live tree, putting it into a tree stand and unpacking and installing the tree lights, garlands, tinsel, icicles, baubles, tree topper and tree skirts that completed the ritual of preparing for a family Christmas.

Some things have changed.Artificial trees, many of them pre-decorated have displaced the conventional ritual for many overstressed and time deficient parents. Christian families desiring to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas are replacing or supplementing decorated Christmas trees with Nativity displays.

Outdoor Christmas decorating used to be limited to lights on trees and a lighted plastic Santa Claus, snowman or Nativity Set. But outside the house is where some of the biggest changes have occurred. Many homeowners compete with their neighbors to create the most compelling vista on the block or in the entire suburb. These exterior decorators want to add the latest innovation in light, motion and cartoon characters in Christmas motif.

Some of the biggest and best displays have hundreds of figures and over 10,000 lights and become viewing destinations with families driving many miles, often resulting in heavy traffic and police supervision.

For those of us decorating for our own satisfaction or to meet a desire to express our Christian faith and celebrate Christmas in a simpler way, the outdoor display of a large Nativity scene meets our needs.

The use of ever larger, spot lighted Nativity Sets allow many people to put Christ back into Christmas The desire of many homeowners to present unique Christmas displays is driving greater creativity by the manufacturers. Six foot toy soldiers and nutcrackers, some lighted have added fun as well as visibility. Life size fiberglass Santa, Sleigh and reindeer, Christmas Carolers and Giant Santa and Snowmen have brought what used to be  only shopping mall and commercial displays to the home.

Christmas light displays have converted completely from incandescent C-7 and mini lights  to LED versions. The LED lights are available in warm and bright white and blue, greatly expanding the visual impact of the display.

Even indoor displays have become larger and in some cases, more life like. Near life size plush camels, donkeys and sheep with coats so real the animal might walk away. Large indoor Nativities in gorgeous fabric with resin faces and hands have created a whole new look for indoor decorating

If you are a small business owner, then you already know that your office is kind of an extension of your house. Long days spent there turn into nights, and before you know it, Christmastime is upon us once again. But if you're never home, you'll never see the great lights you took all Saturday to put up.

Decorating your place of business, both inside and out, is an easy way for you to enjoy the holidays even when you're at work. Your customers and clients will appreciate it, too. If you can pay special attention to lights and decorations during the holiday, then surely you can pay close attention to them and their needs.

If appropriate, go with a nativity set, but make sure it isn't too large and ostentatious. Restraint is key when decorating a business, keeping in mind that everyone may not share your practices and decorative tastes. Traditional painted statues abound, but if you want, opt for white stone statues that are reminiscent of Roman sculptures or garden art. Angels are also a popular motif that allows you to express your feelings about the season without bringing the entire Holy Family into the picture. Do note that many businesses may want to tend towards non-religious decorations though, as many patrons will be celerating holidays other than Christmas at this time of year!

So if you want stick with non-religious decor and make your business a Christmas wonderland, line the path approaching the front door with tall fiberglass candy canes. Santa Claus, elves, nutcrackers and toy soldier figures give a luster of whimsy to your business' entryway. Animals like reindeer, penguins, polar bears and more would be adorable additions to somewhere like a veterinarian's practice, or for anyone who loves animals. Imagery like angels and the Start of Bethlehem are subtle ways to slip a bit of religious imagery into your décor without going overboard (or over-sleigh, if you will.)

Keep the light of the holiday season shining bright even after office hours. Light displays and strands of twinkly bulbs can be put on a timer for passersby to enjoy, without burning all night and wasting electricity. Share your season's greetings while being a good neighbor!