Growing up, we had the Christmas tree, a life-size painted wood cutout of Santa on the front porch, old electric candles in the windows, wreaths on the doors, a holly wreath and red candle on the TV in the living room, candy garland around the kitchen window, an ornament Santa and Mrs. Claus skating also hanging from the kitchen window, a Noel door ringer hanging from the back kitchen door, and 2 big felt candy canes hanging on a wall. When I was a teenager, I decided to decorate the inside of our house more than what it was. I found old garlands and wound them around the banister in the foyer and the columns in the living room. I hung mistletoe from the entry way into the living room. The first Christmas I spent in my first apartment was special because I could decorate any way I wanted. I bought materials to make 2 wreaths and garland and ribbons to wind around the staircase rails. In my current apartment, I made another wreath and bought pine garland, holly berries, and white lights for my mantle and bar area (pictured above). I prefer more natural looking decorations: greens, reds, golds, silvers, white. I absolutely do not like tinsel or the metallic looking garlands. They are useful for ugly Christmas sweater parties, though, so I will not completely abolish them from my existence.
I love to decorate for Christmas not only because I think decorations make any place more beautiful, but also because it helps me visually prepare for Christmas. When I see the decorations I am reminded of what we are celebrating and, more importantly, who we are celebrating. The decorations also remind me that our Lord has come to make all things beautiful. There is nothing wrong with delighting in what is beautiful. That is joy.
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