XMAS THEMES 2008

There's more to holiday décor than stockings and mistletoe. With the number of traditions connected to Christmas it's easy to rely on well established themes to guide your holiday decorating and gift giving. The common subjects of winter wonderland, Santa's workshop and candy and sugarplums are old news this year. Christmas 2008 has ushered in a whole new array of holiday themes to choose from.

Bringing Back Religion

Religious and spiritual references are a growing trend in decorating themes this year. As Christmas is quickly becoming a more and more commercial holiday season, recognizing Christmas as the time of Jesus' birth and working in décor items based on nativity or other spiritual traditions is quickly gaining popularity. You can add personal elements of your spirituality or rely on vintage nativity scenes and religious ornaments.

Folk Art

The quaint folk art that you find at country markets and craft sales is making a comeback this year. Anything that is handmade, hand painted, knit or crocheted is really popular. You can use these items as decorations both inside and outside; hang crocheted ornaments on the tree or use them as Christmas gift ornaments for an added holiday gift.

Marine Theme

The waves are crashing into Christmas decorations. Colours like blues and greens are found with brown accents. Patterns and ornaments containing beach related images like shells, waves and sea creatures are stylish this year, and sand is being used as both a colour theme and a texture. 

More Themes

There are a number of unusual themes emerging this season. Some other popular themes include:

Personalization or customization

This can be as simple as monogramming a bathrobe, beach bag or bed linen gift, or as elaborate as giving a highly personalized scrapbook of a special time. Consider making ornaments with your own family's monogram.

Vintage Items

What once was old is new again, and grandma's antique pewter tree ornament or old silk angel tree topper will make your decorations the talk of the town.

Characters

Focus your holiday decorations around your own personal favourite Christmas creature in the form of a penguin, polar bear, snowman or reindeer
Incorporating these themes or even single pieces from different themes can turn your Christmas décor into a trendy fashion statement this season.

Popular Christmas Ornaments

Christmas ornaments are versatile decorations. They can be put on the Christmas tree, scattered on a Christmas table, tied to gifts or even given as a present. These are some of the popular (and sometimes unusual) ornaments that are cropping up this year:

Personalized ornaments

Both homemade and store-bought, as long as it's personal

Houses

Think miniature model homes with snow capped eves and country town scenes

Picture frames

Decorated for Christmas or used as tree ornaments, put photos of your loved ones in them