If there is one festival that gets me acting like a 12-year-old all over again, it is Christmas. I still remember the Christmas celebrations from when I was a kid. I’d decorate the tree with mom and dad weeks ahead of Christmas and we’d spend the whole week leading up to Christmas decking the house until it looked like our house was a Christmas decor store.
My obsession with Christmas only grew when I started my own family. You can spot our decked-up house a mile away during the week leading up to Christmas. Caili’s friends love visiting our place during the holidays and I love the validation I receive from them. I’ve become somewhat of an expert on the holiday decorations and here is my checklist for Christmas decor!
Outdoor decor
Wreath
It’s not Christmas if there is isn’t a lush green Christmas wreath hanging down from the front door. I prefer making my own Christmas wreath but you can always buy one.
Christmas star lanterns
These festive star lanterns are found outside pretty much every household celebrating Christmas in India. We hang these near the gate and doors. They really do add a magical charm to your house, especially in the night.
Christmas lights
String lights or fairy lights, regardless of what you call them, everyone knows they are an essential part of Christmas decor. You can have them running down on the roof or twist them around pillars for a festive look. I suggest putting them up just a few days before Christmas.
Christmas garden decor
If you are lucky enough to have a garden, you should definitely decorate it. Think garden gnomes, plant decorations, battery-operated lanterns, and more.
Festive mats
Christmas brings along with it two things, a lot of cheer and a lot of guests. And what better way to welcome your guests than with a festive welcome mat. My husband thinks this is a tad bit too much but I love the idea of a festive doormat and have a few stowed away in the storage room which sees the light of the day during Christmas.
Indoor decor
Christmas tree
As much as I’d love the idea of a fresh and real fir tree for Christmas, it’d break my heart to unearth a beautiful tree. Moreover, I’m pretty sure that Fir trees in India are only found near the Himalayas. Go for lifelike fir trees made out of plastic and reuse it every year. Yay for saving money and sustainability!
Stockings
Why wouldn’t you add stockings to your Christmas decor? Not only do they look absolutely adorable but they also mean more gifts! I think I get more excited about the stocking stuffers than the big Christmas presents!
Lanterns
These snowflake lanterns scream ‘Christmas’!! Turn off the lights and light a few of these around the house for that magical Christmas look. I prefer using battery-operated lights over wax or oil ones.
Snow globe
This is more for the little ones than for the adults. Maybe it’s the snow or the quaint house inside the globe, this little accessory manages to captivate children and adults alike. I say get one for your centre table or the mantelshelf.
Furnishing
Christmas decor doesn’t have to be limited to showpieces and accessories. I love changing the linen and pillows into something a little more festive during this season. You can find our couch adorned with a fur throw and sequinned pillows all through December.
Place setting
We all have that fancy chinaware set in our house that we’ve stowed away lest someone breaks it. But we can make an exception for Christmas. After all, a grand feast like that can’t be served on regular chinaware.
Candles
It isn’t enough if your house looks like Christmas, it should also smell like it! I love lighting scented candles all around the house during Christmas. I love the seasonal candles from Bath & Body Works, they smell like hot chocolate and festive cheer!
What is your favourite Christmas decor and have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments below!
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