Christmas Decor for The Soul

Most decorations are not progressive but can still be given a sense of distinction, and this can be as small as a single tree ornament.  For instance, there are many ornaments that I mildly oppose to owning, but I never get rid of any of them.  Instead, they become opportunities for making amusing statements.  I have Barry Bonds on my tree even though I resent his use of steroids; so he’s on the tree hanging upside down and is alwayslower on the tree than Hank Aaron.  I have a UNC football player from my childhood, and as a Wake Forest fan I always hang him so that he’s being trampled by another ornament.  My parents have an ornament that consists of a hideous brown wood frame in which is a clashing picture of them during their first year together in 1982.  They both have a bad case of ‘80s hair, they look hung over, and they’re in front of bland wood paneling.  I always do my best to get this hung in clear sight at eye level, but it always makes its way to the well hidden center of the tree within hours. 

Image via Wikipedia

   Many homes outline their frames with Christmas lights, but lights behind large windows can create a cozier aura for a house and prove less of a hassle.  For example, lights can be strung from exposed rafters in front of a window to and create a great source of light both for those driving by and inside.

As a kid, Christmas used to be primarily food and presents under the guise of a bizarre birth scenario of religious importance.  I was a militant child and would compare it to D-Day and mentally note how gifts from different parts of the family corresponded to waves of troops arriving in Normandy (Christmas Eve presents were the paratroopers, Santa’s gifts were Omaha Beach, etc.).  However, by making the most of different traditions I have been able to bring a fuller meaning to the holidays despite my religious disillusionment.  Traditions and decorations can easily prove as satisfying as church-house observances, and more human and satisfying to boot.  Just don’t use too many candles and steer clear of those damn inflatable snowmen.