5. Use lots of special color.
- Don't even think about not putting up the perfect Christmas tree.
- Drape garlands, either real or artificial, on railings, over mirrors, on the top of armoires, and along the mantle.
- Use ribbons and ornaments to put wonderful color around your home for this special season.
6. Do you hear what I hear?
- Whenever you're home, turn on a CD or the radio and listen to Christmas music.
- Tie some sleigh bells onto the front door, and listen to the cheery welcome.
- When you go into your children's room in the morning, wake them with jingling bells or a jolly "ho, ho, ho".
- Check the schedules ahead of time so you don't miss the Christmas specials on TV. Make it a family time to share these wonderful shows.
- Collect the classic movies with Christmas themes, such as "A Christmas Story", "It's a Wonderful Life", "Scrooge", or "The Santa Clause".
7. Have something sweet around the house.
- Prepare a bowl of fresh fruit or holiday cookies to put out as soon as guests arrive.
- Bake little loaves of tea breads and wrap them in holiday wrap. Set them in a pretty basket for decoration, then take one when you go visiting and give one to guests who visit your home.
- Make a wreath with candies tied on. Have a small scissors handy to cut off candies for guests.
- Fill a pretty basket with traditional candy canes and set it on the coffee table or entry table.
- Make or buy a gingerbread house for decoration and snacking.
- Put goodies in your guestroom to make your house guests feel really welcome.
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