It's finally time when I can start really working on getting the house ready for the holidays. I'm finally done raking leaves (I think) and I'm on home improvement hiatus until Spring. Now I've got critical questions to answer...
1- Will I decorate the outside of the house? Not really a tradition in my family other than a nice wreath on the front door. But worth contemplating some lights since my front walkway lights have died.
2- When to get the tree? And where I suppose... This will be the FIRST xmas tree in a home of mine! I've never been home for enough of the holiday that it seemed worthwhile, having never spent Xmas morning at home. [ Well except that last year and that was a disaster. Long story. ] I have already been convinced that I must get a fresh tree. And that won't be so easy to set up alone so I think the timing will have to be whenever I can convince a friend to help me. I guess the goal would be to have it up before the cookie baking party on the 11th since that's my only holiday entertaining planned before xmas day. But doesn't that seem a little early?
3- How to decorate said tree? I definitely need a bunch more stuff if I'm going to avoid having a naked tree. Colored or white lights? Tinsel or garland? Star or angel? Color themed or eclectic, etc. Really... I have none of this stuff to build from. Are these all philosophical choices? I definitely remember that NO ONE liked actually putting the lights on the tree so I'm dreading that part. Are all lights pretty much the same or are there easier options/brands? Better tree stands? Or even better trees?
4- What holiday baking or food gifts? Ok, ok, you're right. I've already figured this one out. Some of you have even been taste testers. But I'm a total planner and I like to put everything on the list so I can cross it off! :) I've even given some thought to Christmas dinner but am trying to push that to the back of my mind for a few weeks.
So any advice on getting the house looking ready for the holidays would be greatly appreciated!
All lights are not the same! We like to put a reostat (sp?) on our lights so we can dim them a bit. The new LED lights cannot be dimmed, and I think they look horrible.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think since you don't have any ornaments, etc. to start with, you should go with a theme tree. I've always wanted to do that, but then I feel guilty because I'm not using all of the "historic" ornaments. Now may be your last chance to do this before people start giving you ornaments...Seize the day!