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Fun Decorations for the Holidays
by Arleen M. Kaptur
The arrival of Santa Claus is always
a vital part of Christmas. His elves, those little helpers, that make the toys
and package them, do come along for the ride - in fact, they keep on working
well into the night.
These elves do not have the magical
powers to come down chimneys and back up again. They have to enter your home and
arrange those packages under the tree, and straighten out those ornaments and
lights and finish off all those cookies and milk treats.
Place an elf entrance by your front
door or near your fireplace, if you have one. This is a very special entrance
and can only be used by Santa's helpers. This elf entrance is simply a 26-inch
piece of card- board covered with Christmas wrap, cut in the shape of a doorway.
It is attached to wall or side-door with double stick, no-marring tape, and felt
and other decorations alongside to make it festive. A tiny wreath, ribbons and a
doorknob made of a plastic cap painted in red and green.
A doormat is a 7-10 inch piece of
cardboard covered with terry cloth glued or taped on. It can be in red or
green.
A sign should also be hung out -
"Elves Only" or "Elf Entrance" or whatever slogan you think
appropriate. Watch the giggles and enjoy the compliments when your family and
guests see that you even considered those "little helpers" that make
Christmas merry.
On the outside of your home, using a
spare snow shovel and a basket or bushel of some type, reserve a place for Santa
to tie up those reindeer. Put a bright plastic or weather-resistant ribbon on
the shovel and a sign that tells Santa to "hitch up" his reindeer and
don't forget to provide some food for munching while Santa's inside "doing
his thing." A bit of bird seed mixed with dried corn works really well and
the fact that birds and small animals will munch will make the reindeer food
disappear. A touch of nostalgia and a great outdoor decor item.
For the inside of your home - a few
red and green "extra" blankets on beds, wire greenery to picture
frames and use a fresh pineapple in your centerpiece - it is the symbol of
hospitality and abundance. On your table - clusters of pinecones clipped to
place mats, silverware tucked into mittens with a scarf as a table runner, and
candy canes and silverware tied with a Christmas bow become a pleasant surprise
for dinner guests.
Fill metal Christmas tree cookie
cutters with one-color crushed candy and melt in the oven. When cooled and
hardened, place on a mirror or silver tray. Placing votive candles behind or
between the "trees" will illuminate the candy colors. Inspiring,
different and festive. However you decorate - ENJOY!
Contributed by:
Arleen Kaptur author of numerous articles, e-books, and the novel:
SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES. Visit Arleen's website Arleen's
Daily Journey
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