Decorating For Christmas and Chanukah

By Alden Smith

Decorating for Christmas and Chanukah is a ritual many people follow.  Although the two holidays occur at different times of the year, they both have special meaning for the participants.   These two holidays are made special by the decorations used.  Both rely heavily on foliage and flowers.  According to AboutFlowers.com, fresh flowers as home decoration and entertaining, such as centerpieces, were 54% of sales.  Red poinsettias, the flowers of Christmas, accounted for 53%.  Fresh flowers as gifts or for the host/hostess accounted for 50% of sales.  The winter holiday season is the best time of year for many florists.  This is understandable, because in many areas of the country, people are shut indoors and the days can be dreary.  Fresh flowers give extra glamour to any holiday occasion.  Here, we will look at the holiday decorating traditions for both Christmas and Chanukah.

Decorating For Christmas

Christmas, the Christian holiday, is expressed with colors of green, red, silver and gold.  In almost every case, the main decorating theme at Christmas is the Christmas tree.   Although a large tree is often the central theme, experts say to think outside the box, and place trees of varying sizes in other rooms of the house.  An artificial tree of almost any size can be found, sometimes complete with decorations.  Place these in the kitchen, perhaps on top of the refrigerator.  If counter space is available, place 3 small trees of different size together as a grouping, and decorate with strings of popcorn or cranberries.  Place a small tree in a child’s bedroom on top of a dresser.  Decorate with a theme that the child likes, or use personalized ornaments to decorate.
Wreaths and garland are a big part of Christmas decorating.  Place on mantels, entwine garlands on staircases and hang lights or small ornaments on them, and carry the theme throughout the house. 

Decorating For Chanukah

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday that begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.  During the 7 day festival, the menorah is lit each day to celebrate the rededication of the Temple after the Syrian invasion.

Chanukah is noted for its use of blue and white flowers, the traditional colors of the season.  They are used as centerpieces and decorations around the menorah.  Have fancy dreidels and chocolate coins displayed around the room.  Decorate powder rooms with fresh flowers and scented candles.  Experts recommend that you use every available space that can safely display candles during the celebration.  Float flowers and candles in favorite crystal or silver bowls. Decorate the menorah with boughs of evergreen.  If you plan an open house, place luminaries on the walkway leading to the door.

In an open house celebration that includes many people, be sure to keep focus on the largest display areas, such as the front door, foyer, mantle, buffet or serving areas.  Keep a large vase of loose fresh flowers at the front door to give as gifts when friends depart. 

Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com.  He writes on a variety of subjects and excels in research.