Diva Zone ™ Magazine 2019 Holiday Issue - The DIVA Zone Magazine | Page 33

2019 Special Holiday Edition 33 SIMPLE HOLIDAY DECORATING TIPS FOR YOUR HOME BY TASHENA NICOLE MIDDLETON Christmas Christmas is the day Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. However, this religious holiday that is central to Christianity has become secular, overly-centered on shopping, and no longer about Jesus’ birth. Below are easy ways to decorate your home for Christmas while keeping your focus on the reason for the season – Jesus. Christmas Tree & Nativity Scene Although the evergreen tree – an ancient symbol of undying life in the midst of winters – has traditionally been used to celebrate winter festivals, the evergreen Christmas tree has come to symbolize our hope in Christ and the gift of eternal life. Hang candy canes among tinsel and twinkling string lights on the tree for a playful touch that hearkens back to childhood and place a star at the top of the tree to symbolize the Star of David. Include angels and other tangible reminders of the reason for the season. Of course the nativity scene is an excellent reminder of why we celebrate Christmas. It also makes a great centerpiece on your coffee table or fi replace mantel. Red & Green Red and green symbolize various Christian concepts and are the traditional colors of Christmas. So, get creative. Tie red or green bows around doorknobs around the house. You can even attach little bells to the one bow around your front door. (I wouldn’t recommend putting bells on other doorknobs as that might become annoying). Set red and green candles on your bookshelves and tables, and add matching table runners or linens for extra style points. Plants & Fireplaces No plant says Christmas like the beautiful poinsettia – also called the “Christmas Star.” Poinsettias continue the red and green color scheme and add to your bright, festive look! Place one or two in the foyer, living room or by the fi replace. To add sparkle to the fi replace mantel add a traditional string of cranberries, miniature pears and pomegranates. Christmas Wreathes & Candles Christmas Wreathes & Candles. Circular in shape, a wreath represents eternity. For Christians, wreathes represent an unending circle of life. Like the Christmas tree, using an evergreen wreath symbolizes both growth and life everlasting. A door wreath also will make your home look welcoming to guests. Finally, for a simple, yet beautiful way to decorate for Christmas, place an electric candle in each front window of the house and turn them on at night for all to see.