Establishing Holiday Decorating Traditions

The holidays are a time for celebration and tradition. I start the celebration by trying new and different ideas for my holiday decorating each year, moving things around and mixing and matching. But, I honor tradition in my decorating by making sure that I pull out and display family favorites each year. So even if I take a new direction on my mantel or table, I make sure that the Santa collection is displayed somewhere in the house because… well, it wouldn't be Christmas without the annual appearance of my favorite character in all his many forms. Many people do have decorating traditions, but if you don't or are just getting started in the holiday decorating scene here are some great ways to establish a tradition to last a lifetime.

Create a Cozy Christmas Village

Holiday collectibles are a great way to establish a family tradition. Collectible cottages like my new Vintage Holiday Collection for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft stores are a wonderful way to involve the family in selecting new pieces each year and to create a family celebration to put together the village each year. This year's group features four cottages and a church. Next year, you'll be able to select from a variety of quaint shops. Add tiny trees, real rocks and twigs, faux snow and other family findings to create a quaint village, and a fun family tradition.

Fun Family Collections

Other collectibles are equally fun for the family. With the popularity of penguin movies this year, penguins are a fun family-centered collectible. Look for penguins in all kinds of fabrications from plush to snowglobes for an eclectic and enticing collection. Several large penguins standing next to the fireplace on ice blocks (glass blocks from the hardware store) would be a fun start to a new decorating tradition.

Start the Season with Dinnerware or Dessert Sets

Holiday dinnerware or dessert sets are lasting traditions in many families. When the Christmas dishes come out, the season has officially begun! Many of you have holiday dinnerware featuring my designs and this year dessert sets are available at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.

Create a Holiday Quilt

Quilts are a family tradition at any time of the year and a holiday quilt makes the season extra special. Whether it's cute and quick or more elaborate, a hand-crafted quilt is a symbol of the season. Make our cute snowman quilt in time for Christmas this year; or create a quilt, month by month, for the holidays next year. I'm happy to announce that our 2008 Block of the Month is called Christmas Wishes and includes twelve sampler blocks surrounding a Christmas Lily medallion center. Join us as we continue our Mumm "family" tradition as we make a quilt, block by block, month by month, in 2008.

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