Christmas Tips

Christmas is always a time to look forward to in any household. But what makes it all the more exciting in our household is the fact that the entire family comes together to put up the Christmas decorations. This has been a time honored tradition in our family from the past several years. In fact, I still cannot recall how or when it started, but it all probably came into being the day my grand father walked into the house with a mysterious gift box wrapped under his arm.

I was just a kid then, but naturally I was curious. So as he came into the house and proceeded to recline on his couch, we all (namely, my sister, brothers and assorted cousins) gathered around him to see what he had brought home. We were all secretly hoping that it was some candy, for grand father had a knack for sourcing the most amazing candy! But then, he was a man full of surprises and one could never be sure what he had come home with.

Grand father saw the twinkle in all our eyes and slowly (almost laboriously) opened the box to reveal ¡¦you would never guess ¡¦an antique Christmas decoration! What attraction an antique Christmas decoration could hold for a ten year old is beyond my comprehension even today, but to be honest, I was enthralled. Just seeing that antique Christmas decoration (do not ask me how I knew that it was an antique Christmas decoration; my grand father told me!) made my little face light up with joy. Grand father then slowly proceeded to explain the story behind the antique Christmas decoration.

He told us how a humble pheasant in rural Russia had lovingly carved up a piece of walnut wood to make the shape of the antique Christmas decoration. He then imaginatively led us through the various things the pheasant must have done to create each of the unique features of the decoration till it took its beautiful shape and size. He also narrated to us how the antique Christmas decoration must have lain in some musty old attic till it was discovered by some shrewd relative or junk collector, who, having recognized its true value, must have sold it to the antique dealer from whence my grandfather bought it.

Even today, as we all gather around Christmas time to decorate the tree in our living room, we take great pride in the first of all antique Christmas decorations our grand father procured for us. Ever since we could afford it, one or the other of us has taken turns to buy some or the other antique Christmas decoration for the tree. But even now, the pride of place, the top belongs to the antique Christmas decoration ¡¦a beautiful walnut star ¡¦that grandfather bought.

Christmas is the most popular, and hopefully, peaceful time of the year. Decorations twinkle and sparkle almost anywhere you go. Houses are lit up in the nighttime with outside lights reflecting off of the snow and the Christmas trees clearly seen in front windows. It’s a wonderful time of the year.

I have always had trouble finding presents for everyone who is on my list. Since I work in a small office, I like to give my coworkers something small. I cannot afford to get everyone on my list what they may ideally be dreaming off for Christmas, but I try. Last year, I decided I was going to be creative and make something for some people. I saw a picture of a beautiful Christmas ornament in a craft magazine that I thought perhaps I could make. At least, I could make a Christmas ornament that would be unique to everyone. The supplies were relatively cheap. I went to a local craft store and bought paints and brushes. The Christmas balls that I choose were plain white or silver. I also bought some colored glitters that I may find a use for.

Getting an idea for a unique Christmas ornament for everyone was the most difficult part. Some people were less predictable so I would choose something generic for them. But the best part was, once I started, the ideas just flowed. The first Christmas ornament I did was an attempt at making snowflakes. It didn’t turn out that way, but ended up looking very modern and creative. I smiled afterwards. Though it took a definite turn away from what I had planned, I loved it. I followed that one with a few more Christmas ornaments. A coworker had recently gotten married, so I decided that would be a theme for her Christmas ornament. I put the year and two interlocking hearts on it. I even managed to put some glitter on the hearts. It turned out wonderfully. For a coworker who recently had a baby, I also put the year on her Christmas ornament and her son’s name. I attempted to draw a rattle, but when it turned out horribly, I changed it to something more artsy. It looked great. I made a Christmas ornament or several for my family members. I couldn’t wait to give them to everyone.

I gave the designated Christmas ornament to my coworkers a week before Christmas. That way, they could enjoy them before the holiday. Each one of them absolutely loved their Christmas ornament and the fact that it was handmade. My family members were the same way. Since I had personalized them, each person had a Christmas ornament that was unique only to them. My Christmas present idea had been a huge success.