| We all know that getting ready for the | | | | beautiful, full and green tree for days to |
| holidays can be a very hectic time. There is | | | | come! |
| so much to think about. Family is coming in | | | | |
| from out of town, food has to be prepared, | | | | 4. Fill your home with Christmas Scents- |
| Christmas gifts need to be purchased and | | | | Candles are a wonderful way to create a |
| wrapped. Well here are a few last-minute | | | | festive atmosphere in your home. Look for |
| ways to prepare your home for the holidays. | | | | peppermint, gingerbread, cookie, pine, |
| These tips should help you to budget your | | | | pumpkin and cinnamon scents to add great |
| time and get your last-minute decorating | | | | holiday scents. Potpourri and Potpourri oil |
| completed without hassle. | | | | are also great ways to create scents in the |
| | | | home. Put out a fresh bowl of a |
| 1. Set out your Christmas Stockings- Everyone | | | | holiday-themed potpourri, or set a light-bulb |
| in the family should have one. Great places | | | | ring on a lamp in your entryway to create |
| to hang them include on a fireplace mantle, | | | | some great aromas. The ultimate way to make |
| or if you don't have a fireplace, hang them | | | | your home smell great is to bake! |
| on a stair railing, on the top of an | | | | Fresh-baked cookies, pies, and cakes always |
| entertainment center or China Cabinet, or you | | | | fill the home with the scents of Christmas! |
| could even hang them on the wall in a | | | | |
| diagonal pattern. Stockings can be fun to | | | | 5. Light up you Home!- Don't forget to put a |
| decorate as well. This is a great activity | | | | dusk-to-dawn timer on your outdoor Christmas |
| for kids and adults alike. What's even more | | | | lights so the neighbors and passers-by can |
| fun is choosing what to fill them with on | | | | enjoy your lights during the dark winter |
| Christmas Eve. Candy, small toys, | | | | hours. You can also add festive lights to |
| accessories like gloves, hair clips, small | | | | your interior for a fancy Christmas party. |
| jewelry and fruit are a great, inexpensive | | | | In fact, when hosting a party, try to keep |
| way to create a gift that everyone loves to | | | | the room lights low and illuminate the room |
| open. | | | | with lots of white or colored Christmas |
| | | | Lights! |
| 2. Check you live wreaths and greenery- Be | | | | |
| sure that the needles aren't turning brown or | | | | 6. Don't forget about the reason for the |
| falling off. You may want to purchase new | | | | season - A Nativity scene is a great way to |
| ones, or even add fresh greenery to your | | | | remind guests why we celebrate this time of |
| existing ones to keep them looking and | | | | Christmas! |
| smelling fresh. | | | | |
| | | | Getting ready for the holiday season can be a |
| 3. Water your Christmas Tree- this is the | | | | time of great fun and excitement. We hope |
| best way to keep a live tree looking nice | | | | these tips will help you get ready for those |
| through the holiday season, and into the New | | | | holiday parties and add great accents to your |
| Year. Be sure to check the water level every | | | | holiday décor. |
| day, and keep it full! You will have a | | | | |