Christmas Fever!

Here we are again, three hundred and sixty five (or so) days from where we were last year when the anticipation for Christmas would begin to build. I remember as a child I knew that Christmas was about to begin when we would get a beautiful parcel from SEARS in the mail, the wishbook. I would take it everywhere with me, school, home and bed that catalogue would be my new best friend for several weeks. Of course as any child, I knew the selection of the gift I’d write to Santa for was of utmost importance. Not to mention careful thought had to go into how good I was this year.... good enough to get remote control car... or perhaps only good enough to ask for a GI-JOE? After all if anything, growing up with 3 brothers I had a clear understanding of how Santa rated my overall kindness throughout the year.

Christmas hasn’t changed much for me over the years. Previously it was gifts and St. Nick, now my mind is ravished with gestures of kindness, gatherings with friends and soul food. But nothing has ever warmed my soul (In Canadian winters sometimes we need a little warmth!) as the day we would put up the Christmas tree. I’m about to share with you some family secrets of how to get that tree perfect and prepared for the holiday season.

STEP 1: Let there be light! – Did you know that one of the most common mistakes is lack of light? The rule of thumb for lights is 100 Lights per foot (7ft 700 lights) it’s what gives it that mystical glow, not to mention the warm feeling that draws you towards it.

 Or the view from my bed as I wake up (yes I get up turn it on and run back into bed and pretend towake up! Don't lie, you do it too)

STEP 2: Bigger is Better! – I myself have fallen victim to the “awww... look how cute that ornament is” only to bring it home and realize that it’s the smallest ornament I’ve ever seen. To get that department store look, it’s a must to grab some larger ornaments. We place these on the tree first, evenly apart so the tree doesn’t look to cluttered on one side.

STEP 3: Medium and small: Now I grab hand full’s of the small or medium ornaments and spread them out over the tree working top to bottom, just keep in mind you will need more as you get closer to the bottom. Keep them spaced apart but don’t be afraid to have some close together. Clutter in the right amount and spots can give the tree a charming feel.

STEP 4: “La Tree Topper”: I’m going to tell you what most people don’t like to hear, I’m not a fan of angels or stars. Tradition tree toppers have their place and can be quite stunning, but I’ve always felt doing something more personal can really add that zest you’re looking for. In a majestic mood? Add some Peacock feathers... Feeling childish? How about placing a teddy bear on your tree? Want something more modern? Add some sparkle with strands of mirrors! The key to a stunning topper is make it you!

STEP 5: Ribbons!: Get depth by adding ribbon, strands of beads or stuff your tree with branches, flowers and twigs. Remember there is no right and wrong way with how you’d like your tree to look.

Here I am November 12th ready and waiting as always for Santa, friends and the perfect moments that come every Christmas. Let's decorate!