Christmas Gifts for Seniors

Ramping up to Christmas, we do more shopping for our peers and kids because that’s where the media drive us.  

However, the best fun can be shopping for the parents, grandparents and other boomers and post-boomers on our lists!  

Gifts for Seniors. Source: aesta1

Sure,  Seniors can be more difficult to buy for, since we may not see them every day so we’re not on top of their immediate interests or needs.  But let’s use some imagination and have some fun!  Here, you'll find some top picks for seniors this holiday season, based on needs, interests, dreams and everything in between! 

Remember to first assess the kind of senior you’re buying for. Older seniors sometimes fit into the foot-warmer …cozy shawl category. But then again there are the boomer….” where’s the party”  gang that would be deeply offended by a …” hey grandma…you’re really old” style gift.  Many are looking for the next adventure, not a swing under a tree. 

1. A Tablet Pre-loaded with Mamas and Papas, Eagles, Queen and Other Vintage Favourites

Get them rockin'. Get your kids to ask Grandma and Grandpa or anyone of that generation for whom you are buying the present "What was your favourite music of the '70s, '80s and 90's?" Then, your fun begins. A secret family project. 

Get a portable speaker to go with it. The fun continues. You can get them dancing which is a great exercise for seniors. 

Christmas Tree

2. Kindle Paperwhite 

One of the top complaints of the post-’50s is shrinking print (or maybe diminishing vision). 

For grandparents who love to read, this can be a truly devastating development – one of their favourite pastimes is gone! However, thanks to e-readers like the Kindle Paperwhite, you can get Grandma and Grandpa reading again in no time! 

E-readers have several advantages over traditional paper books, especially for those with “evolving” vision. The type can be enlarged as needed with just a swipe of the finger. Page-turning is easy as well, which can be a lifesaver for arthritic fingers. 

Best of all, thousands of books can fit unto just one slim, sleek reader! And there are audio books you can download as well. 

If you decide to gift an e-reader this season, you'll probably want to take some extra time to set it up and show Pops how it works – remember, even you were confused the first time you tried one! Once they're up and running, however, their new e-reader will likely be their favourite gift of the season!  And it fits into the pocket of the shawl above.

If you decide to gift an e-reader this season, you'll probably want to take some extra time to set it up and show Pops how it works – remember, even you were confused the first time you tried one! 

Once they're up and running, however, their new e-reader will likely be their favourite gift of the season!  And it fits into the pocket of the shawl above.

3. Garden Tool Set 

Does a favourite grandparent or elderly neighbour have one of the best gardens around? Even if they only have a small patch of grass or a patio garden, working with plants is a top hobby for senior citizens. Even better, the movement and fresh air of gardening are very beneficial. 

Help them enjoy their hobby even more – or spark a new interest – with this convenient gift set. Everything they need to garden is included – a comfortable seat to ease arthritis pain, a full gardening tool kit and a handy tote bag to keep it all together! 

Christmas Ornaments

4. Kitchen Tools  that Work with Gentler Hands

Post 50’s can have less powerful or less agile hands. Fair enough. There is a whole range of big handled kitchen tools that really work well and are colourful and easy on the hands. 

5. Polar Fleece Shawl Wrap (for Arctic Cruises)

OK…careful judgment needed here!!!!! Keeping warm is always a concern for seniors, but there's no reason why they can't look great while keeping toasty! 

A beautiful simple wrap made of fleece, great for keeping warm without adding extra weight is a wonderful gift. Get one with handy pockets for keeping glasses and channel changers and other essentials close at hand. 

This is an ideal present for a vintage grandparent, as well as an excellent idea for charities which donate gifts to senior living and nursing homes for elderly residents who may have no relatives left. 

Whoever the recipient might be, they'll be sure to love this soft, cosy gift of warmth!  Hey……label it a Deck Warmer for your next cruise! Smart and upbeat.

6. Knitting Books

For some, knitting might be a favourite pastime, but everybody needs a refresher course and new ideas now and then! 

If your favourite grandparent or senior citizen is never without knitting needles, consider a book of new patterns to keep them filled with fresh inspiration. Select one on baby blankets and baby clothes since grandparents love to create gifts for their grand-babies! 

However, you know your recipient best – if they're more into scarves, shawls, gloves or virtually any other type of project, there's a book out there just perfect for gifting!  Label it “Something to do on deck on your next cruise or at the cottage next summer” 

Christmas Gifts for Seniors

7. Get Movin’ Gifts

How about matching collapsible trekking sticks….to get the folks out walking with new jaunty air. Maybe a tartan beret to go with them!!!!! Call it their “Visit the Antarctic “  incentive package and throw in some pictures of a cruise ship!

8. Advanced Skin Cleansing System 

Does Grandma love to keep up with the latest skincare trends? Does the pride herself on looking younger than her true age? If so, she'll adore this gentle, yet effective cleansing brush. 

The trusted name of Olay represents a brand she knows and loves. One cleanser is included; personalize the gift by choosing a cleanser, toner, lotion or facial oil based on her unique skin needs! 

Regardless of her age, this new method of cleansing is sure to revitalize her looks and her spirits! 

Celebrating Christmas in Non-Christian Countries

One can still celebrate Christmas even when marooned in non-Christian countries. This is your chance to be creative and to share the Christmas spirit with your new friends.

Christmas in Non-Christian Countries: Source: aesta1

Have you ever celebrated Christmas in a non-Christian country?

There have been times when we have been marooned in non-Christian countries during Christmas. What is a non-Christian country? 

Well, I'm really referring to countries that managed to avoid our great burst of Colonial aggressiveness in the 18th and 19th centuries and so have no memories, however remote, of the great Christian festival. Don't look for Santa in Maldives or Nepal, as examples.

Artificial Christmas Tree. Source: aesta1

Now in some places, Christmas is quite independent of religion and you hear the carols ripping out in blind indifference to the English words.

Buddhist countries like Thailand seem comfortable with everything. 

We are now in Vietnam and I was flabbergasted when Christmas trees sprouted in malls and stores and the choices of Christmas ornaments are just amazing. Vietnamese friends are buying all these ornaments and Santa gifts to make their kids appreciate Christmas.

But in other countries, there is a certain grumpiness towards Christianity and other than the infrequent Frosty the Snowman which makes no sense in tropical Kuala Lumpur or a scruffy plastic tree in a store window with a camel-like deer close at hand, there isn't a hint of this festival. It is often quiet with just a few decorations in some of the stores and maybe some gifts with Christmas trims in a window.

The excitement leading to Christmas

Absence of the smell of fir. Other than that, there is no excitement as you count the days leading to Christmas.

There's no excitement among the grade 2s, no pageants for the grade 5's and no racing from store to stores by the grade 8 girls lining up the much anticipated hot clothing items.

No rush in the stores for those hard to get toys, no Christmas trees on top of cars to be decked out in an explosion of family cooperation when they reach home.

There is the absence of the smell of fir and of the annual disastrous baking as Mom makes skeet like mince meat tarts. And all the Christmas parties, too. The goodwill and good wishes and fellowship. Santa may be seen in a really bad drawing here and there, but there are no church bells or clusters of families making the annual troop march to Church with grandma.

Why Fret about what is not there?
Make your Christmas a Memorable one. Yes, wherever you are, plan a Christmas that will be remembered by family and friends. Start to plan it now. Here's some help:

Advent Wreath. Source: aesta1

Here's a Christmas preparation we often forget

Prepare your heart for Christmas. Not too many celebrate Advent now. 
Everyone is busy with all those shopping deals that we just can't find time to stay put and once again experience the spirit of waiting, the expectation for the centre of Christmas, the child Jesus. 

We seem not to find the time other than putting a nativity set to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. Maybe, this 2015, get yourself a book on Advent and take some time to make it once more a part of your life this holiday season.

Many countries now get into the Christmas shopping

In several non-Christian countries now, the commercial side of Christmas has taken over. Christmas decorations now adorn many stores and even a few houses. 

Many of our no-Christian friends have decked their homes for the holiday. This is the reason why Christmas commercial promoters want to do away with Christmas and just use Holiday. Why not share the celebration? The Christians can always make it Christmas for their families just like the Jews celebrating Hanukah.

Christmas Decorations in a Store in Hanoi. Source: aesta1

When we were in Hanoi one Christmas, I did not bring any ornament. I asked around where I can get some Christmas decors and the hotel reception gave me the street. I was blown away when I saw the number of stores just selling all kinds of Christmas decors from Christmas trees to wreaths and ornaments that are more beautiful and cheap than the ones we get in North America or Europe.

As an example, I wanted 10 yards from a roll of ribbon and so in action, I tried to communicate this. Then, a girl helped me and told me the whole roll cost 15000 dong which is less than 1 US$ so I came home with several rolls of red ribbons. Store upon store of bid Christmas trees all very tastefully decorated, too. I don't want to go back there to be tempted some more.

What we miss of Christmas most of all

The spirit that these things associated with Christmas bring. When we spent Christmas in Portugal and Spain, the same decorations adorn the stores and homes but the Spirit is there. There is a deeper meaning to the celebration that people contemplate even if only in their hearts.

Most of all, in non Christian countries, we miss the Christmas carols, and Chevy Chase wannabees making annual craze with the house lights, the parade, the fantastic store windows, Alistair Sim as Scrooge, the advent Masses, the fireplaces with fresh pines or fresh mistletoes and people all walking to Church for the midnight Mass or families all noisily celebrating Christmas traditions with their turkey or ham dinner. 

It's like taking a month out of the year or knowing you've forgotten something but you can't remember what.

Carols at the Metropole in Hanoi. Source: aesta1

Christmas Carols for You 

Sing your heart out and have a great Christmas wherever you are. There are many Christian poverty reduction and street children projects and sometimes these or the Christian schools, have choirs who sing at local hotels and you can enjoy a great old sing along there. 

If there are none, print copies of Christmas carols and sing these with you friends and family. Once in the hotel where we stayed in Hanoi, the staff organized carol singing and we enjoyed it so much. Our non-Christian friends sang with us as they often hear these songs on television.

Find a church where you can attend Christmas Service

We have been in Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu countries at Christmas. This has not necessarily stopped us from celebrating Christmas with all the trimmings. Of course, it depends on the country.

Most of these countries although non-Christian have many Christians living in them so we usually manage to find a Church or a place where we can go for Christmas Mass or Service.

Often, there are Christian schools and the celebration takes place, though subdued in respect for the host country's sensibilities. 

Most Christian countries are fairly soft on other folks' festivals. In others, a good whistle of Good King Wenceslas may be illegal. Sometimes, it's hard to figure out why everyone expects us to be totally tolerant while they behave in less neutral ways!

Nativity Display in the Church. Source: aesta1

International Hotels always bring Christmas on

Some of these countries may permit markets catering to expats in the main city but in the boonies, you're on your own. Christmas is a total non-event and you need to remind yourself that the great festival (for us) is here again. Bakeries often make Christmas goodies as well. 

If these did not survive the end of the colonial age, there are always five-star hotels who cater to the whims of their guests and will surely prepare whatever you want when you give them time enough to make the necessary preparations.

Once in the Sheraton in Karachi, we invited some Pakistani friends to a fantastic Christmas spread but we had to drag out the Chef to assure them that the turkey was halal. That was all the concern but it turned to be a very enjoyable celebration and a great chance to explain the idea of the gift and the really weird notion of peace and goodwill among men.

Embassies sometimes put on Christmas for its citizens

There are cases when embassies will put on a good show. The US embassy in Cambodia is very well decorated during Christmas although it hunkers within a fortress of self-protection that distorts the message a bit. 

The Antipodian embassies always make a good start on decoration but seem to get too far into the Christmas spirit(s) and too early to finish the job.

Christmas with Friends. Source: aesta1

Invite Non-Christian Friends to Christmas Dinner

We do try to celebrate at home when we can and invite our friends. It is always fun to share with them our food and traditions. 

They always appreciate this in countries where religion has not deteriorated into a fist of oppression. We had a great Christmas dinner in at the Strand in Rangoon (Yangon) a few years back and the old Chef was giggling with delight.

More and more now, the locals of the non-Christian countries we had been in at Christmas have learned to greet us and some even prepare gifts. Sometimes, they ask for the meaning of the celebration. 

In big cities in many of these non-Christian countries, you will now see the streets and stores fully decorated with Christmas trims during the season. We celebrated Christmas once in Thailand and it was just like home as the hotels and stores looked very much like the ones in the Christian world.

Make sure you create memories of your Christmas in other countries. 

Christmas Gifts that Make a Difference

Christmas Spirit. Source: aesta1

"What to buy" seems to always niggle us. Generic Blah just doesn't say a thing. Another piece of jewelry? The perfect sweater/tie/scarf? Get a life!

Or, maybe, a gift that can teach, can change a life, can give us something to chat about all year, can be part of the family story and the beginning of a legacy, or can make us feel better about ourselves and the world around us.

This year, let's make a difference. Let's choose gifts that make a difference not only in the lives of people we gift to but also in the lives of someone in the world who has just about nothing. And don't forget, in our lives as well. Pakistan, Haiti, Zambia, or Peru. Forget the country. Look at the faces. No, this is not the annual Kiva campaign, World Vision appeal or Red Cross Door to Door. But believe me, months after the event is over, the giver of the caring gift will benefit as much as the recipient. Just Google your favourite charity. They are waiting.

Christmas Gifts. Source: aesta1

Here's an idea. Give your kids the best possible quality in the item they really want to have. I don't mean the latest but the best value for their money so they will understand what quality is and value for money when it comes to choosing things.

This is not just giving in to what they want. You can ask them to do their research, review and compare the products and make recommendations. Teach them quality when they're young and they will manage their money well and feel proud of more limited ownership their whole lives.

Give your kids stocks in the companies whose products they love. Like Disney, McDonalds or Lego or even P and G. or Kraft. or whatever it is you want them to get familiar with and follow. Maybe this will even be better if it is a company that cares for the environment or that promotes healthy living.

Whatever they are interested in, they can research, watch the progress of the stock in the newspaper and get a sense of being part of the economy. 

Check the news for product quality and go to a shareholders meeting as an owner of the company. If they grow up as outsiders to capitalism, all they'll see is the consummate selfishness of bankers rather than the excitement of being a player.

This engagement will also provide you and your kids (or grandkids) another topic for conversation. Then maybe if you are interested in following Bloomberg or the shrill harridans of CNBC, they can see the spot in it all and won't crank their whine drive into top gear.

Original Tubac Art. Source: aesta1

Give them a gift of original art. Not only will you support the struggling artists but also make them appreciate the value of original works of people as well as art in itself. 

Talk to them about the piece. Hit an art gallery or two. Com'on grandpa. Off your couch.

Most kids have a yoghurt fixation when the word "culture" comes up and schools will do nothing to help this. This is why we have grandparents and aunts.

You can buy a gift that helps others. Many non-government or charity organizations have imaginative campaigns for gifts that can change lives. You can buy a piglet for a poor family in a rural area in Cambodia or Laos or a goat for another family in Africa, buy training for another or send a child to school.

The choices are endless and when you go to the websites of these organizations, you will always find something you can support. Did you know you can give a village an entire school in Cambodia? And it's all as close as your search engine.

Most kids now just spend time in front of their xbox or tablets and this is not healthy. We wonder why so many kids are obese. I am not saying that they should not be on computers as it is important for them to be skilled in the new technology but too much can be debilitating to their over all development.

Christmas for Kids. Source: aesta1

In many developing countries, kids can hardly play with decent sports equipment. They use coconut branches for bats and their balls are whatever they can improvise. But they are out there playing as many of them have no access to xboxes or computers. So, think of giving kids sports items to encourage them to spend time playing sports outside.

Give them something that they can take care for the next generation. Not those ones that break easily but the ones you find in museums and stores that sell heirloom pieces. They will learn to take care of fine things and appreciate the fine things in life.

Again, this is not extravagance. This is value. It really costs just a little more and it becomes part of the family mythology when they, too, are parents unwrapping the piece for another year.

Sharing gifts. Source: aesta1

Last year, we brought the family in Cambodia where we were then working. And it was for them an experience they'll never forget. And they shared this with their class who appreciated the scrapbooks they made about Cambodia.

While here, we did not only bring them to the tourist sites and other countries close to Cambodia but also made them learn how to play Cambodian music in the local drum. They had several lessons from a master until they were able to play on their own following the traditional Cambodian rythmn.

We also introduced them to people their age. The older ones travelled with their friends to some of the villages while the younger ones met the children of our tuk tuk driver. They played together and after a year our grand daughter still remembered her new found friend. 

To help her friend study in a private school which requires $30 a month, this grand daughter saved up her allowance. As this was not enough for the year's fee, she is now doing a Christmas bake sale in school so she can help her friend go to a better school. This is all done on her own which really made us very happy. What one experience can trigger, one never knows.

 A Difference this Christmas. Source: aesta1

You can open a scholarship plan for your kids, buy them a training course or buy someone else the gift of learning. There are many training programs that can make a difference in the lives of your families, friends or someone in the world.

The idea is to give a gift that makes a difference. Do you remember what you gave and got last Christmas? This year, make a difference. Give gifts that will become your legacy to your family.

There are so many ways we can do this. I am sure that many of you have been doing this for years. You can share some of your own experiences here. We had been trying to be more creative in the gifts we give our families.

Nothing can match this gift. Give a smile to people you meet, hug your loved ones and friends and share with those who don't have much. Send thoughts of love to everyone especially your loved ones who are far.

Christmas Greeting Card Messages

Notecards by UniqDesignCanada. Copyright: aesta1

As more families are beginning to create and print their own Christmas greeting cards instead of buying ready-made varieties, the search for unique messages has become more difficult. Thankfully, with a bit of inspiration, you'll find it easy to come up with a warm, personal and thoughtful message that's sure to brighten anybody's holiday! 

Consider Your Recipient

A large portion of families who create their own cards do so because they've grown tired of sending the same sentiment to everybody on their list. 

Just like every one of your friends and family members is different, so are their situations. 

Keeping those situations in mind while creating Christmas greetings is sure to be appreciated. 

Life events can dramatically change the best way to send Christmas greetings. 

Marriage is perhaps the most fun and common event – remember those new last names! Divorce is also a reason to change the way you've always sent greetings. If children now live with one parent, you don’t' want to remind the other parent of it by addressing their card to “and family.” 

Smaller life events include moving to a new home, graduating from high school or college, and even adopting a new pet. Remembering these occasions – and including a reference to them in your Christmas message – will let loved ones know that you care about what's going on in their lives. 

Christmas Card by UniqDesignCanada

Religious or Neutral? 

For some, this is a very personal choice. Many people who consider themselves religious send out religious holiday cards, regardless of the recipient. Since religion itself is such a personal matter, this is considered perfectly acceptable. 

If, however, you don't feel strongly about sending out religious cards, remember that some people on your list may appreciate having their faith recognized. There are loads of beautiful holiday cards out there, not just for Christmas, but for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa as well. 

For the non-religious, there are many cards available with winter scenes and a simple 'seasons greetings.'  

How Personalized? 

Some families like to send Christmas greetings which include not only wishes for a happy holiday but also an update on themselves. If you choose this route, there are a few points to consider. Remember that not everybody on your list enjoys hearing about everything. Grandparents love to hear every detail of your children’s' school activities. Your boss – not so much. 

Have Some Fun! 

The best part of creating your own greeting cards is the ability to personalize each Christmas message to fit the recipient perfectly. 

Try to keep track of things that recently happened in the lives of those closest to you. Even if those things aren't as big as a marriage or move, they can make a unique Christmas message that's sure to be remembered long after the holidays. 

People love knowing that they're thought of by their friends and loved ones, so show them that you really do listen. 

Crack a quick joke, reference something from years past with an old friend, or just show off your silly side. Even a serious Christmas card will benefit from a bit of light-hearted holiday spirit! 

Fun Games for Christmas

Family Party Fun. Source:fllanora

Whether your family numbers in the single digits or includes a huge extended network, spending time with them is one of the greatest joys of the Christmas season. 

Including a few games on the holiday festivities is a great way to create new memories! 

Standing talking has its limitations and its real activities that build the long term images. 

Here, you'll find some great games for players of all ages. 

1. Christmas Scavenger Hunt

If you have lots of little ones in your family, they'll love this twist on the popular Easter egg hunt. The prizes should be very small – cookies, candies or small activity books work well. Wrap them simply in brightly-coloured tissue paper and hide them throughout your house. 

This is a great way to keep the kiddies occupied while the adults talk! Give a time limit and award another small prize to the one who finds the most. You can do it outside as well...among the trees or sand or snow depending on your climate. 

2. Christmas Word Challenge

This is a mentally stimulating game that's as fun for the adults as for the kids. Using a computer or some brightly coloured markers, makeup papers with CHRISTMAS written vertically. Leave plenty of space for writing. 

Challenge players to come up with a word for each letter. For extra difficulty for adults or older kids, you might stipulate that the word must begin with each letter. An age-appropriate Christmas book is a great prize for this game. 

Family Christmas in Hanoi. Source: aesta1

3. The True Spirit Game 

Christmas should be about giving, so this year, show your family how good it feels to give back. 

Create a list of potential charitable works and keep score of how many each family member completes. Remember to include plenty of options for all age groups. 

Teenagers can help feed the homeless at a shelter, grade-school kids can shovel neighbours' driveways and adults can drive seniors to doctor appointments or to get groceries – or just to get out of the house.....the possibilities are endless! 

Even very small kids can get in on the act, making family members' beds or feeding pets or doing a top to bottom house garbage search.

The goal of this game is to show the whole family the joy of giving. And gifts don’t have to be things....they can actions and help. However, since it is a competition, a prize at the end is only appropriate! Instead of a single gift, keep the focus on the family with a dinner out or a day at the ice skating rink or a silly dive contest at the pool 

4. Snowball Darts for cold climates

Ideal for athletic families who love the outdoors, all this game requires is a goal and a scorekeeper! Using a small shovel, mitten-covered hands or even a spray bottle filled with coloured water; create a large bulls-eye target on your snowy lawn. 

Assign a certain point value to each ring of the bulls-eye, create a pile of snowballs and get ready to score points! If you have one, this is a great opportunity to use a mechanical snowball maker, but sometimes creating them by hand is part of the fun. If you'll be playing with a large group, it might be a good idea to designate one or two snowball makers to keep players stocked up. 

5. Fill the Stocking Spoon Game 

Christmas Stocking. Source: aesta1

You may have played an outdoor variation of this game at fairs during the summer – each player holds a spoon (either in their hands or mouth), balances an egg on the spoon and tries to reach the finish line without the egg falling. 

Our game takes the same principle and turns it into a Christmas-themed, indoor-friendly way to get the kids laughing! 

All you need is a few Christmas stockings (smaller ones are better), some plastic spoons and some small Christmas candy. 

Divide large groups into teams or have each family member compete individually. Carrying a spoon in either hands or mouth, each player must fill their spoon, cross the room and pour the candy into their stocking. 

Race to see who can fill theirs first! Candy is an obvious (and always well-received) prize for this game, but you can use any small gift. 

Remember...having folks engaged in activity is a winner. There are no “remember whens” next year, if you all just sit and the couch this year!!!!

Christmas Decoration Ideas

Ready to give your Christmas holiday decorating a new spin this year? Read on for some of the prettiest and newest ideas around to ensure you and your guests will be celebrating in style! 

Creative Christmas Lights. Source: aesta1

1. Unexpected Lights 

Virtually every house celebrating Christmas this year will hang lights someplace – usually around windows and doors. 

However, with all the different colour, style and placement options, there's no reason to have your lights look like every other house on the street. 

To add a festive pop to rooms which are commonly ignored when it comes to decorating, try stringing lights in your bathrooms and bedrooms. 

Guests will love the surprise, and your whole home will feel cosier. 

If steady lights are feeling a bit stale, try out chasers, blinkers or fades. Chasers give the illusion that the lights are chasing one another around their string. 

Blinking lights can be set to sparkle on and off randomly, in a pattern or even to the tempo of Christmas music. If that sounds too flashy for you, try out lights with a fade option – they gently fade in and out to create a mellower mood. 

Icicle lights are one of the best things to happen to Christmas decorating in years. These versatile lights can be hung in the traditional manner – from the eaves of your house – or they can be used indoors to really bring Christmas home. 

You can hang them from the ceiling in virtually any room for instant 'wow' factor. If you'll be entertaining or celebrating in one large space, consider covering an entire wall with long strands of icicles. These floor-to-ceiling lights create a gorgeous focal point and let your guests know exactly where the party's at! 

Fireplace Decorated for Christmas. Source: aesta1

2. Follow Your Home's Colors 

For many, Christmas decorating is all about breaking out the red, green, gold and silver. However, if your home (or your living room) has a definite colour scheme, you can create a totally unexpected holiday by matching your decorations. 

With all the colour options available in Christmas decorations, you'll have no trouble finding matching ornaments, trees, garland and more. You can also expand on a certain colour. If your living room is neutral, for example, try different shades of cream, beige, brown and gold. 

Bright rooms look great decorated in contrasting shades – if your sofa is orange, try green and blue decorations for a very modern look. Blue is a popular choice in decorating and it fits in beautifully with the colours of the season – try different shades while incorporating icy white and silver as well. 

Outdoor Christmas Decors. Source: aesta1

3. Outdoor Additions

While many families decorate outdoors, the front door and the mailbox are two spaces which are commonly ignored. True, a wreath on the door is traditional – but why stop there? 

Go all out and turn your front door into an extension of the indoors. You can make things light-hearted by wrapping the door like a giant Christmas gift or keep things subtle by wrapping columns in garland and adding pots filled with fresh, seasonal greenery. 

Your mailbox is so small, the options are endless. Artfully arrange some of the same evergreen boughs you used on the front door, hang some large, sparkling snowflakes from it or add a tiny wreath to its door. 

If children will be included in the festivities this year, let them know that Santa's elves are on the watch! Purchase some inexpensive garden gnomes, dress them in festive clothing and place them strategically around the front yard for a fun, festive, North Pole-inspired touch. 

Check out two of my favourite Christmas Decoration Ideas:
How to Make Seashell Christmas Tree Topiaries
How to Make a Christmas Ornament Wreath