Christmas yard decorations are a common sight around one’s neighbourhood, and are usually set up around 12 days before Christmas. In countries like the Philippines though, you can even see Christmas decor in people’s homes and department stores as early as September or October!
Of course, the type of decor used varies from place to place, with culture, tradition and availability of materials usually playing important roles in the selection of decorations. Some people opt for simpler home-made ornaments, while others go the whole nine yards in making their home look “Christmas-y” – both inside and out. There are even those who consider Christmas decorating as a “competition” of sorts – hoping to come out with the best-looking display of “holiday spirit” on the block.
Some examples of commonly-used Christmas yard decorations are:
• Christmas lights
• Nativity scenes
• Snowman displays
• Christmas wreaths
• Santa Claus displays
• Christmas trees
• Angel displays
One can opt to buy ready-made decorations or make your own. Should you choose to create your own décor, you may want to select a general theme, so that each piece will have a common “feel,” design or pattern. This will also help you plan for the decorations you plan to use inside your home, as the theme can also apply to your indoor Christmas décor. Examples of themes are:
• “The Nativity”
• “Santa’s Sleigh”
• “Forest in Winter”
• “Funny Christmas”
• ‘Tropical Christmas”
• “Candy Canes”
• “Snow People”
• “Starry, Snowy Christmas”
Of course when it comes to Christmas yard decorations, one can never go wrong with the typical Christmas lights display and cute Christmas tree or Nativity scene, which are some of the most “well-loved” yard decorations during the holidays.
The more creative families may prefer creating your own Christmas decorations theme. In cases like these, scanning through holiday magazines, browsing through Christmas stores, or searching internet websites may help. Let each member of the family contribute too, by giving their own suggestions. This would be a good way to begin Christmas, which is a season especially dedicated to family gatherings and reunions.
This brings us to the second part – once you have settled on a theme, lay out the plans for your Christmas yard decorations. Check just how big your yard space is and make the necessary measurements. You need to know just how much space you’ll have for decorating before you go and buy the materials you will need.
It may be helpful to make a sketch, drawing or “blueprint” of sorts, so that you can have a guide as to where you will be placing objects. Be as creative, and maybe even “wacky,” as you want. Some people take this opportunity to say a specific “message” related to the yuletide season, such as “Celebrating the birth of Christ,” or something similar to this. Others may prefer to use the standard “Holiday Greetings” message and the like. The more “personalized” your Christmas yard decorations, the more unique your display and home will be.