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The Christmas season is a busy time of the year. It is also colorful with the different decorations displayed in almost all buildings, homes, and streets. The season is all about celebration where you get the chance to reunite with friends and family. Part of the tradition in many countries is to decorate with lights and various adornments. Yet the question still remains. Why do we decorate for Christmas? Read on to learn more about the different Christmas decorations and why we display them during the holidays.

The popular colors: Red and Green

These days, you can see that Christmas decors come in various colors. Sometimes the colors used depend on the business, brand, or homeowner. The traditional colors though are red and green. Interestingly, these colors have a religious context. Green is associated with the continuity of life even during the winter season. The color also represents the eternal life of Jesus, while the color red is associated with the blood of Christ. 

Christmas lights

Christmas is never complete without Christmas lights. Just imagine the streets and buildings during the season without lights. Dull and boring. The use and display of Christmas lights can be traced back as far as the Yule. This is when the Norsemen celebrated the midwinter tradition. Yule is the Norse god, Odin’s beer while watching the Yule log burn. The lighting of the Yule log is believed to summon the return of the sun while simultaneously driving away evil spirits. 

Through the years, candles were used to provide light and warmth during winter. Candles were also used to welcome travelers. A practice that is also used to symbolize the welcoming of Mary and Joseph. 

Poinsettia, Mistletoe, Evergreen, and Holly

It is a known fact that there are a few plants that grow and propagate during the winter season. Examples are mistletoe, evergreen, and holly. As a result, they are used as decorations for the holidays. Evergreen represents life, just like the color green. From the Victorian era up to this day, the mistletoe is used to steal a kiss during the season. The tradition is that the plant can be hung anywhere and anybody who stands under it is allowed to kiss. 

Another interesting Christmas decoration is poinsettias. These are in fact poisonous plants that are lovely to look at because of their colorful hues. In Mexico and Central America, where the plant is indigenous, the people call the plant “Flor De Noche Buena” or “Christmas Eve Flower.” Poinsettia also has an interesting story in the 16th century. It is believed that a young girl forgot to buy a Christmas gift. She then gathered a bouquet of weeds that sprouted red flowers and grew alongside the road and offered them to the infant Jesus. The popularity of the story grew and was adopted by the Franciscan friars and eventually the whole world. 

Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are probably the most iconic decor of all time. Many experts believe that the tree is a symbol of the “Christianization” of pagan traditions. The modern-day Christmas tree can be traced back to the 16th to 18th century in Germany. The practice of cutting down trees and displaying them indoors has been brought to England by Queen Charlotte/ The popularity even grew and was adopted by the Americans.

Known for having 7100 islands in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is one of the favorite destinations of tourists, both local and foreign. The country has several attractions that will connect you to nature. It is a paradise for all beach lovers, mountain climbers, and adventure seekers. Read on to know more about the different places in the Philippines where you can get in touch with nature and feel rejuvenated again.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Located in Palawan, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is known for its remarkable biodiversity, abundant marine life, and magnificent dive sites. It covers hectares of productive marine life and contains three atolls and a large area of the deep sea. Tubbataha Reefs has been recognized as one of the world’s leading diving destinations. It is home to 600 species of fish, 360 species of corals, 11 species of sharks, 13 species of dolphins and whales, birds, Hawksbill, and green sea turtles. In 1993, UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site. Being an isolated area, it will take around a 10 to 12 hours journey to reach it. A sacrifice worth taking to enjoy the wonder of nature.

El Nido Palawan

Another leading municipality in the province of Palawan, El Nido is one of the favorite travel destinations in the country. It is a managed resource-protected area and popular for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, limestone cliffs, and rich biodiversity. Many travel buffs have placed El Nido to the 20 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World due to its extraordinary natural splendor and ecosystem. 

Malay Eco Tour in Aklan

A perfect place for bonding and get-together with family and friends. The travel destination is known for the Pangihan cave with its eight magnificent chambers. Locals highly recommend visiting Nabaoy, a river with native huts where you can order native dishes and delicacies at affordable prices. Of course, more than feasting, you can refresh yourself by swimming and rafting in its calm and clear water.

Siargao

Siargao was originally a haven for surfers. These days, it is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. The island is within the jurisdiction of the province of Surigao del Norte and is composed of different municipalities. In 2018 and 2019, Siargao was awarded for being the best island in the world. Tourists will never be bored on the island as there are tons of activities that can be done. These include basking on white-sand beaches, surfing, cave explorations, swinging on palm tree rope, island hopping, and many others. In addition to these, the island is rich in green colors as it is covered with coconut palm trees. A perfect tropical view for those of you who are looking for a vacation paradise. 

Mayon volcano

The Mayon volcano is popularly known for its “perfect cone” and is still one of the most active volcanoes in the country. Located in the province of Albay, it has a height of 2,463 meters and is considered to be the centerpiece of the province. The volcano is one of the favorite sites for climbing, though it is important to note that it is dangerous to do this activity even if it is at its dormant stage. In addition to climbing, you can do other activities such as hiking, camping, bird watching, and photography. It is recommended to visit the volcano between March and May and not during the rainy season. 

Christmas is one of the most awaited seasons around the world. It is both a religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. Christians around the world have been celebrating the season with traditions and practices that commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Some of the common traditions include exchanging gifts, decorating with Christmas trees, attending Christmas mass, and sharing meals with families and friends. Decorating the homes with ornaments is likewise practiced. With the thousands of decors available, it is also common for many households to display DIY Christmas decorations. Creating DIY decors unleashes the creativity and imagination of many individuals. 

Christmas decorations around the world

Different countries have their own way of celebrating Christmas as well as the decors displayed. The decorations are any ornamentation used to make the spirit of Christmas felt and experienced by many. Traditionally, the colors used are pine green, snow white, and heart red. Blue and the white color combination are also common as this represents winter. Other decors that are usually displayed are Baby Jesus, Father Christmas, Santa Claus, the star of Bethlehem, snowflakes, snowmen, icicles, penguins, and polar bears. 

DIY Christmas decorations

Make your home vibrant this Christmas season with DIY decorations. These will not only save you money but are also a great way to spend quality time with your family, especially during weekends. Any material can be used and be transformed into something remarkable. DIY Christmas decorations can be used to make your home look festive, from the entryway to the dining room. Christmas color schemes can instantly make your space attractive and captivating. Adding accents to the dining table, like the silver embellished napkin rings and a centerpiece will surely be adored by your family. 

Homemade Christmas decorations to try

Creating homemade Christmas decorations is one of the fun and exciting things that you can do to transform the overall appearance of your home and prep it for the season. Here are some DIY Christmas decorations that you can make and decorate your space:

• Snowman made from plastic cups
• Handmade hoop ornaments
• DIY Christmas tree garlands
• DIY cotton thread snowman
• Painted or filled DIY ball ornaments
• Paper cut-outs buntings

Add a rustic style with wooden Christmas decors

Wood is one of the common materials used in making decors. The good thing about wood is that it can make everything in the interior look natural and comfortable. Reclaimed wood is affordable and yet they give a big impact on the whole appearance of the room when designed properly. In addition to these, wood can give the interior a rustic appearance for a more comfortable and inviting vibe. 

Paper Christmas decorations

Paper Christmas decorations are relatively easy to do and will definitely look great in your home. Especially when they are hanging from your tree. Paper decors are easy to assemble, affordable, and versatile. Paper can be fashioned into Christmas trees, bells, stars, and others. Other materials that you may need to make your own Christmas decorations are paper glue, scissors, pencil, shape template, thread, embroidery floss, and thin ribbon.

Christmas is never complete without a Christmas tree. Even in movies, Christmas trees are so special that decorating them involves all the members of the family. Over the years, the display and decorating of Christmas trees have been practiced around the globe. The trees used can be natural ones or synthetic. Whatever the material used, the sight of Christmas trees will bring the spirit of the holiday season as well as a nostalgic atmosphere. 

A brief history of Christmas trees

In the past, evergreen fir trees have been used to celebrate winter festivals of both the pagans and the Christians. The branches of the tree have been used by the pagans to decorate their homes during the winter solstice. On the other hand, Christians used the tree as a sign of everlasting life with God. the Romans, likewise decorated their temples with evergreen trees during the festival of Saturnalia. 

However, up to these days, the evolution of evergreen trees to Christmas trees is not yet that clear. It was assumed that it started a thousand years ago in Northern Europe wherein cherry or hawthorn plants were used. Some people, though, find it expensive to decorate their homes with trees. They then resolved in making pyramids of wood and decorate them with paper, apples, and candles. 

The first known Christmas tree that was displayed in public was in 1510 in Riga, Latvia. This was erected by men with black hats, danced around it, and then set it on fire. From Germany, Christmas trees were brought and spread to the United Kingdom by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Prince Albert recalled that during his childhood, he celebrated Christmas with a tree. Eventually, he shared this tradition with his wife and in 1848, the London News published the couple with a decorated tree. This image became common and one of the favorites of the people in Great Britain. 

Christmas trees around the globe

Though Christmas is celebrated differently from around the world, Christmas trees are probably one of the most common views seen. 

• In Rio De Janeiro, a 279-foot Christmas tree is seen floating at the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. The tree was likewise surrounded by fireworks during the launch in November 2004. 
• One of the world’s most recognized Christmas trees has been displayed at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan since 1930. 45, 000 lights are turned on each year and are usually accompanied by live concerts. 
• In the United Kingdom, Christmas is viewed as a time of gratitude. This led to a Christmas tree being displayed in London’s Trafalgar Square. This has been a traditional annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947 as gratitude to England during their help in World War 2.
• In France, the people prefer Christmas trees to be more traditional in appearance such as the one displayed in posh Galeries Lafayette Department Store.
• A Christmas tree made of Lego bricks can also be found in London, UK.
• A Christmas tree that stands at 82-feet can be seen outside the window of the Pope’s room in Vatican City. This tree is a gift from the German state of Bavaria. 
• Since the term of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, every American president has officiated the lighting ceremony of the National Christmas Tree in Washington DC. 

With a few weeks left before Christmas, you may already have completed shopping for gifts to be given to your loved ones. Decors are all around us amidst the COVID 19 virus still lurking like a rat waiting for its chance to steal food. However, it is still not too late to make your home perfect for the holidays. In fact, there are tons of ideas and inspiration that you can use to prepare your home for the Christmas celebration this year and make it look and feel festive. With the classic red and green color scheme that we have known since childhood, you can give it a twist and turn to create an eye-catching Christmas-themed interior for a perfect and memorable Christmas. 

Classic with a twist

Many people love the classic. Why not? There are many elements in the style that would remind you of your childhood. Although the concept is a bit non-specific, it still gives many homeowners and designers goosebumps as they recall their past. Classic design style suits almost anything. Black and white is probably the most popular theme that can easily give your interior a classic look for the holidays. 

Boosting the standard

When it comes to interior decoration, there will always be standards that would serve as a basis for other design styles. Sticking with the traditional is not bad. However, some people may find this a bit dull and boring as many are looking for something new and creative. For instance, the addition of Christmas accessories in candy colors will give any room a modern and stylish look. You can also add ribbons if you feel a little crafty. 

Less is more

Less is not a bad idea, unlike what others think. Here are a few minimalist decorating ideas that can truly give a great look to your home. 

• Fewer items used, the better. This is the whole idea of using a minimalist design style. 
• Buy Christmas trees that come with lights. Arranging the lights may be quite a challenge for some. With this, you will spend less time arranging the lights for your trees. 
• Do not use too many colors as this will make your home look chaotic. Use shades of a few chosen colors so that these will give you a trendy and chic interior. 
• Use fruits and vegetables as decoration. These will save you money and your home will also have a fresh and natural feel and smell. 
• Use one color of lighting for your Christmas tree as it can make a calm and relaxing vibe. 
• A simple pinecone can be used as a decoration. Fill a plate or bowl with pinecones along with candies for a more wonderful holiday vibe. 
• Use ribbons to decorate the tree or your surroundings. 

Materials for Christmas

Christmas decors need not have to be made from soft materials all the time. The use of metal pieces as the decor has proven to be a perfect choice. Metal decors look best with dark interiors as they can be highlighted. 

Flowers are still great

Want to add life to your home for the holidays? Use simple flowers or wreaths for a look that you have been longing for. You can place them anywhere and they would still look great. Add them to the door, window, or you can create a centerpiece of flowers for a warm and comfortable living space. 

Let it snow!

Snowflakes are some of the favorite Christmas decors. Hang them on the wall or the curtain and do not just use one size. 

Decorating your space is one of the ways to personalize it. This may be the best thing that you can do to make it look more appropriate for the different activities that are done at home. Especially these days that many people work and study at home, personalizing it will make it look more conducive for working and learning. So whatever you do, decorating your space can totally transform the appearance as well as the atmosphere. Here, we have some cool ideas that you can use to customize your home. 

Add your favorite scents

 Bringing a new scent to your home can give it new life. With the addition of a few scented candles or incense sticks, you can make a total transformation to your home in a cool and unique way. Be sure to use scents that are calming and relaxing.

Removable wallpaper

Removable wallpaper is one of the favorite wall decors of renters. Installing removable wallpaper is a simple way to add a pop of color to your room. It can likewise highlight a wall in any room and can give the kitchen backsplash a more trendy and stylish appeal. The good thing about this wall covering is that you can easily remove them when the time comes that you need to leave the place. 

A bar cart for a more modern look

Owning a bar cart is one of the perks of being an adult. This is s perfect item for your liquor collection. Enjoy having drinks with your family and friends at your very own bar. No need to place your wine bottles and hard alcohol on the kitchen counters. A bar cart can easily be placed in the living room for you to have an instant party with your guests. 

Indoor plants

A little green in your home will have a big impact on making your interior look impressive. Indoor plants not only make any space look vibrant. They also offer health benefits, especially in cleansing indoor air. 

Add mirror

Mirrors do not only reflect your beauty. They also make your rooms look wonderful. Moreover, mirrors can make your interior appear larger. 

Hang wall art

Bare walls are nice to look at. However, you can still make it look fantastic with wall art. Hang one large-sized art or a few small ones. These will make an interesting wall gallery. It is also recommended to have the art in frames. However, if framing is not part of your budget, then you can make use of washi tape. 

Change the lighting

Overhead lighting is great but you can make your home look better with the addition of a few light sources. Try to add a floor lamp or a table lamp. Candles are also great to set a romantic mood in your home. 

Rearrange your furniture

Rearranging the layout of your furniture gives you a new perspective. This will also give a refreshing feel that many people need especially during stressful times. Rearranging the furniture pieces is also one of the best solutions to give your room more space. 

Add rugs

Rugs can give structure to a space. They can also add texture to the floor and even to the whole room. Even a small rug in the kitchen or your bedroom can have a big impact on the overall appearance of your rooms.

Christmas trees are probably the most popular decor that is seen around the world. The history goes back to the use of evergreens in ancient Egypt and Rome. The tradition continued with the Germans and the candlelit trees were brought to the United States in the 1800s. Read on to know more about the Christmas tree and its origins. 

The beginnings of Christmas trees

Even before the spread of Christianity, people have regarded plants and trees that remained green all year to be special. People during ancient times hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows, just like how we hang them these days. 

During winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere, ancient people believed that the sun god had become sick and weak. The solstice is celebrated because this means that the sun god will become well again. The evergreens reminded them of all the other green plants and that summer would return with more blooms. 

The god, Ra, was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. When Ra began to recover from his illness during the winter solstice, the Egyptians filled their homes with a green palm that represents the triumph of life over death.  

The Romans celebrated the solstice with a feast that they called Saturnalia. This was to honor Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture. The solstice is a reminder that the farms would again be green and productive. As such, their homes were decorated with boughs of evergreen. 

German Christmas trees

Records have shown that Christmas trees should be credited to the Germans. During the 16th century, Christians added trees to their homes and decorated them. Many families also created pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles. People also believed that the 16th-century Protestant reformer, Martin Luther, was the first to add lighted candles to a tree. He shared this idea with his family when he erected a tree in the main room and decorated it with lighted candles. 

Christmas trees in America

Christmas trees in America are never known until the 19th-century when the German settlers of Pennsylvania displayed trees. As early as the mid-1700s, German settlers already have community trees that closely resemble the Christmas trees that we know today. However, the Americans did not accept Christmas trees immediately in their culture as they see them as pagan symbols. 

It was in the 1890s that Christmas ornaments arrived from Germany to the United States. This was also the period of the rise of the popularity of Christmas trees. In contrast with the Europeans, American Christmas trees usually are tall and reach from floor to ceiling. By the 20th century, Americans decorated the trees with homemade ornaments along with apples, nuts, and marzipan cookies. The availability of electricity made it possible to use Christmas lights that will make the trees glow. 

Since then, Christmas trees have been mass-produced and made available to the public worldwide. For countries where evergreens are expensive, artificial trees were made available commercially along with Christmas decors and lights. These days, almost everybody has their own Christmas tree in their homes. Others created their own version of the tree with the use of twigs and branches 

Over the years, various interior design styles have been used by homeowners and designers to make their homes look perfect. Traditional and Transitional interior design styles are two of the favorites of many homeowners and designers. Both may have many similarities, but there are elements that make them special from each other. The first thing to do is to study the two styles and choose which one best fits your taste. When you do some comparing, you will notice that there are obvious differences that make each style extraordinary. Read on to learn more about the two interesting design styles. 

Traditional style – what it really is?

The traditional interior design style is characterized by ornate interiors that are inspired by a 17th or 18th-century European countryside home. The appearance is often warm, inviting, elegant, and luxurious. The interior usually features furnishings and decors that have curves and elegant designs. The traditional interior design style is also marked by elegant furniture pieces, intricate woodworks, heavy drapery, and different patterns. This design style will surely bring the past to the modern world. 

Characteristics of Traditional design style

The traditional design style is influenced by 19th-century European decor. It is a timeless design that evokes comfort and elegance. The presence of and antiques and classic art pieces complete the appearance of your home. 

It is also important to have dark and rich colors especially with the materials used. Examples of colors that are commonly seen are red, brown, and green tones. Floral prints and plaids are likewise common. When it comes to furniture pieces, they are often large and elegant. These include china cabinets, chandeliers, decorative pillows, mirrors, vases, and candleholders.

The beauty of the Transitional design style

The transitional interior design style blends well with contemporary and traditional styles. It is a combination of both classic and modern furniture and finishes. The appearance of the interior is less uptight and more relaxed. The addition of textiles, wood tones, and other decorative textures gives depth to the rooms. If you love the combination of classic and modern looks against a neutral backdrop, then this design style is the right one for you.

Characteristics of Transitional design style

Sometimes it is confusing to know the differences between traditional and transitional interior design styles. However, knowing the principles and significance of the characteristics will give you an idea of which style works best for you. Here are some of the common characteristics o the design style that you will surely adore.

The combination of classic curves and modern lines in a neutral setting brings the best to your home. It is also common to see comfortable furnishings and soft lines. The color palette is usually kept minimum. In addition to these, the motif is usually elegant and timeless. These characteristics create a more modern appeal. 

Which works best for you?

Now that you already have some idea about traditional and transitional interior design styles, you will be able to decide which style to use in your homes. The two styles may have many similarities, yet they both have the respective traits that make them even more extraordinary. 

The minimalist interior design style is one of our favorites. It has the beauty and appeal that can give your freedom. Minimalism can be defined as a tool that assists you in finding the best with many opportunities available. The removal of any distraction so that one can focus on the more important things is the highlight of the minimalist interior design style. Being a minimalist is different from being simple. Minimalism means promoting the things that we value most and excluding the others that may cause distractions. 

What really is minimalism?

In the world of art and design, minimalism is expressed in a way that encompasses even beyond the social, geographical, and political divisions. The design style is very similar to modern interior design that involves only the bare essentials. As such, any living space will have a simple and uncluttered look. The minimalist design style is characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and a monochromatic palette with a few colors only used as accents. The interior also has an open floor plan, great lighting, functional furniture, and a handful of essentials. 

A brief history of minimalism

Minimalism is most commonly associated with the Western art movement that started in the 1950s. The movement focused on the idea that “art should have its own reality and not be an imitation of some other thing”. The style is influenced by many things such as abstract expressionism. However, minimalism focused more on geometric shapes, subtle colors, and the phrase “less is more”. 

The Japanese concept of wabi-sabi also influenced minimalism. The concept is all about imperfection and impermanence. Japanese minimalism uses clean lines, neutral tones, carefully placed tatami mats, and natural materials. In fact, many celebrity homes use the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi. 

The minimalist interior design style that we know today has a mixture of characteristics. Probably because of the different influences it had over the years. But the core concept of simplicity, clean lines, neutral tones, and unclutteredness never disappears. 

The Scandinavian decor and design style is also influenced by minimalism. It is common for Scandinavian homes to have light wood, dried greenery, and clean lines. 

Achieve the minimalist interior design style in your home

Since your home has different rooms, you can easily incorporate the design style by following some tips. For instance, the living room can look perfect with white or neutral walls, uncluttered coffee tables, soft colors, geometric patterns, and plants. These can help achieve an inviting and cozy atmosphere especially with lots of natural light getting in. For the dining room, the colors should likewise be simple. Choose neutral or black accents along with ceramic dinnerware in light hues to complete the view. 

The bedroom can be your sanctuary and should have an appearance that is relaxing and comfortable. It is all about creating a tranquil environment with the use of minimalist concepts. Use blankets and pillows in similar tones as well as a nightstand that appears simple. Be sure that they blend into the overall appearance of the room. 

Final thoughts

Decorating and styling your home is not a joke. It means that you have to be creative in your own way. The minimalist interior design style is not that hard to achieve. All you need to do is to incorporate the core concept of the style into your home and you will have the interior design of your dreams.