| This year, the latest craze in Christmas decorating | | | | tree ourselves. We usually wait until |
| is going back in time. Homeowners seem to be | | | | mid-December. We all get bundled up in our snow |
| less interested in the icicle-type lights and the use | | | | gear, get our sleighs out, along with a thermos of |
| of single color strands. Baby boomers seem to be | | | | hot apple cider, and make our way into the bush. |
| harkening back to the days of their youth, by | | | | The kids love it, the dog loves it, and it makes |
| bringing back the full color glory of traditional | | | | for an excellent family adventure! |
| Christmas lights. | | | | It seems that Christmas flowers have also |
| Lawn ornaments have become a must-have for | | | | changed with the times. Although the classic red |
| the decorating elves in your neighborhood. Families | | | | poinsettia will likely be with us for the rest of |
| everywhere are installing huge lawn ornaments, | | | | time, many florists are offering their customers |
| many consisting of animated light patterns. They | | | | alternatives. As has been the case with flowers in |
| sheer number of choices for shapes, sizes, and | | | | general for some time, florists are now adding |
| designs should tell you that these are very | | | | dyes to traditional holiday flowers and bouquets. |
| popular with festive homeowners. I am a huge | | | | My personal favorite happens to be a bright violet |
| fan of the old-style bubble lights (you know.....the | | | | poinsettia. My daughter prefers cobalt blue. What |
| ones with colored water and bubbles inside), and | | | | is yours? |
| they have returned with a vengeance. | | | | Whether you are a staunch Christmas traditionalist |
| Many people seem to be gravitating back to using | | | | or you are keen on changing along with the |
| real trees, instead of using plastic pre-fab ones. | | | | current decorating trends, Christmas decorations |
| Who can blame them? They smell great, and | | | | have never before been so varied and left |
| they make Christmas feel that much more real. | | | | consumers with so many choices. So get out |
| My family has always used a real tree. It has | | | | there and shop, shop, shop! Tis the season, after |
| become a family tradition to go out and cut the | | | | all! |