Both festivals are connected with light in some form or another. The winter darkness is enlivened with illuminated decorations and rich food is enjoyed. Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is a holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. On each night of Hanukkah, a candle is lit on a nine-branched Menorah. In North America, the festival gained in significance during the 20th Century as a way for Jewish families to hold a Jewish alternative to Christmas which usually takes place around the same time. The star is the symbol of Jewish identity and Judaism.

Christmas, of course, is a lot more familiar to most Americans and Europeans. It is the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. The most famous star in the Christian narrative is the Star of Bethlehem which revealed the birth of Jesus to the magi (wise men). One of the most familiar Christmas carols, We Three Kings, contains lyrics about the “star of wonder, star of light”. The star can be seen in most nativity designs and art works across the world.

The 21st Century is seeing more and more mixed faith relationships and marriages. Children are being introduced to two faiths and cultures at the same time and so decorations and interior décor arrangements are increasingly being catered for such occurrences. This silver Christmas tree star, which might also be called a Hanukkah tree star, is an ideal decorative ornament for a household with one Jewish parent/spouse and one Christian parent/spouse.

You can buy the tree ornament from here: 2011 Hanukkah Christmas Interfaith Tree Ornament.

Size: 6 inches in diameter.

The 24 inch Christmas wreath is composed of real and fresh premium Maine balsam together with berries and the weatherproof red velveteen bow which contrasts wonderfully with the lush greenery. Wreaths in general when placed in an entryway convey to the guest a certain style and identity that they can expect to be continued when they enter the home itself. This tasteful wreath is ideal for families with interior decor that will feel welcoming and easy on the eyes.

The concept of wreaths is a very old one. They’ve been around for thousands of years and were just as popular during the Greek and Roman eras as they are today. In Christianity, the Christmas wreath symbolises the coming and birth of Jesus Christ, whether in the form of a table-top advent wreath or a door-mounted version like the one in the picture above. It was the Lutherans in Germany in the 16th century who are believed to have first brought in the tradition of the Christmas wreath as we know it today.

You can buy this festive wreath here: Worcester 24-Inch Maine Balsam Christmas Wreath.

Price: $27.68

The book ‘Country Living Merry & Bright‘ contains 301 splendid and enchanting ideas for decorating during one of the most magical and meaningful seasons of the year. Whether religious or more secular in tone, you’ll find a wide range of possibilities that will match your particular style and requirements. Included are ideas for tree-toppers and tree ornaments as well as wreaths and garlands to adorn various objects such as beds and doorknobs.

There are also wonderful possibilities when it comes to being creative with your hands. Why not make your own paper dolls and Christmas decor? You’ll find ideas within. Then there are the much loved Santa figurines which are particularly popular with small children and will be a requirement inside many family households. Along with the Santas are other imaginative decorative elements which can be placed on mantelpieces and tabletops. The book even mentions a few recipes and dazzling tableware to complete the special seasonal setting.

You can buy this book here: Country Living Merry & Bright: 301 Festive Ideas for Celebrating Christmas.

Price: $13.57

The three crystal trees can also serve as decorative accent pieces throughout the rest of the year and not just during the Christmas season. Trees are popular images that have been used in art, sculpture and home decor for centuries, especially if we live in more urban areas. These crystal trees can be placed on a dining table as well so as to be enjoyed when a gathering of people is present.

You can buy these trees here: Three Crystal Christmas Trees.

Price: $200

The novelty Santa rug is designed to last a long time and has been developed using special (and safe) chemical solutions which protect against stains and soiling. Premium nylon fibres ensure durability not seen in many a rug one can find. For functionality and festive aesthetics, the Christmas themed rug which shows Santa placing presents into a stocking, is right at the top of its league. This is why America’s Milliken Rugs are world renowned for their excellence too.

You can buy this novelty rug here: Milliken Winter Santa’s Visit Novelty Christmas Rug.

Here’s another picture showing what this Santa rug may look like in your own home.

By the way, if you’re trying to decide on what gifts to give family and friends this Christmas, the following page with hundreds of ideas for festive presents will be of great help: Christmas Present Ideas.

Twenty-four doors surround the nativity scene of the manger under a moonlit sky. Inside each little compartment is a magnetic nativity character ranging from the shepherds, wise men and animals to Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus. As each day of advent passes, the child can take the newly found magnetic character from behind each door and affix it to the nativity scene in which ever location they so desire.

The design of the wooden nativity advent calender allows to be attached to a wall or simply placed upon a table or shelf. It’s a design by Kurt Adler and the beautiful color combinations of gold, purple and yellow give it a very festive feel which will compliment other Christmas decor items in the home. As I remember from my own childhood, the excitement and expectation of opening each individual door was tremendous as the days leading to the 25th whittled down.

As I have always said and practised myself, it is best to gradually grow your Christmas décor collection over the years. Whether these are tree decorations, table covers or even top quality crackers, the build-up over time with the purchase of just half a dozen items a year really adds up as the years progress. Keep these decorations and accessories in good condition when not in use and they will last a life time and can be passed on from generation to generation.

However, if you’re starting anew or are perhaps not keen on the decor that has been handed down to you, then the following tips might come in handy.

Cheap Chic – Candy canes are a fun, colorful and extremely tasty way to add some vibrancy to a Christmas tree, festive dining table and on just about anything in the home. They can be attached to wreaths, stockings and hidden in places where children will find them. One can also make use of ribbons which can be tied in bows and placed around a hearth or television area.

Table Décor – The best Christmas table decor will indeed be the Christmas dinner whether that consists of Turkey or the more traditional British version, goose. That said, further decorations to bring festive cheer to the table can include table cloths, table runners and various napkins and linens. Pick a particular color scheme involving 2 or 3 main colors, such as white, green and red. There’s still time to venture out and buy relatively cheap yet nice looking table cloths and napkins that will add some color and tasteful coordination to the Christmas dinner table.

Don’t forget your best dinner plates and cutlery as well. These are kept for special occasions and there is no better time for these to be brought out than during the festive period. Also, add a few bowls of nuts, fruits and candy to the table which will contribute further to the colorful and festive scenery of the dinner table and dining room as a whole. If you live near the country, then you can venture out and collect some holly and winter foliage that can be spread around the table to bring a natural Christmas feel to the setting. Don’t forget the candles too!

Foliage – As I mentioned in the previous segment, Christmas is the perfect time to bring in nature from the cold. When snow is falling outside and the carols are being playing, you can gaze upon the green and red beauty of the foliage to remind you of the landscape outside beneath the snow. It’s also traditional.

Foliage you can gather, either from the countryside or from stores, include holly, ivy, mistletoe and spare cuttings from Christmas trees. These can be added to tables, banisters, window ledges, mantels and walls. To increase the color combinations, you can think about collecting berries, dried fruits such as oranges and also cinnamon sticks. Once all this foliage is in place, you can then decorate these with any spare tree decorations you might have and even fairy lights.

No spare tree decorations? Well then, make your own! It’s easy.

Candles – The use of candles during Christmas is a must. As long as you make sure you use them safely, especially if you have little children in the house, then candles will really make a big impact on the festive ambiance and magic of the Christmas home interior. There are so many different types of candles that come in different colors, shapes, sizes and scents. try placing candles in little groups but of different shapes and sizes. This will create a contrast that will reduce conformity as well as adding a creative style and very probably, more light.

There are numerous ways to quickly, cheaply and effectively add Christmas cheer to a home interior lacking in festive decoration. Be creative and plan ahead so you don’t suddenly realise after it’s too late to do anything about it. Luckily for me, I have too many decorations but all of these have been gathered over more than thirty years.

This Victorian Christmas family figurine set singing carols, as seen in the picture, encapsulates what my ideal Christmas season is like. Festive fun with the family along with carols, games, nice food and the giving of gifts. It’s close to my heart and spurs the memories I hold, especially of tales told by my parents on Christmas Eve and the well known Charles Dickens story ‘A Christmas Carol’, otherwise known as Scrooge.

The 4-piece Christmas figurine set of a merry family portrays a mother and father with their little son and daughter, singing carols together. The Victorian clothes worn by the foursome are distinctive in style and in the colors they wear, which include festive green, red and white. A unique appeal lies in their elongated stances and shapes which add a humorous and artistically jolly feel to the four family figurines. They are each made from a paper-mâché construction and will make a delightful decorative addition to a kid’s bedroom, main living room or hallway. If you too love the Victorian Christmas themes, then this Victorian Christmas family figurine set is ideal.

You can buy these caroling characters from here: Victorian Christmas Family Figurine Set Singing Carols.

Price: $117.25

Throughout my childhood, my parents would set up a nativity scene on a bookshelf, table or windowsill. I remember when only little being fascinated by the characters of the Nativity and playing with the little toy lambs and cows that were included. This interest during the Christmas period led to my parents teaching me about the story of Jesus and what Christmas really means, which is often sadly hidden under today’s commercialism.

For anyone who appreciates good quality and beautifully crafted figurines, this nativity set of 10 figurines will appeal. The brilliant blues of the clothing illuminate the figures whilst the amazingly detailed facial expressions and expressive postures are striking to say the least. The entire 10 piece nativity set is made from a resin-stone mix which means it will last a life time and can be passed down to future generations who can be told the story of the birth of Jesus.

I can’t wait for Christmas and this nativity set of beautiful figurines reminds me of the joy this season fostered during my childhood years. If you are thoughtful to the meaning of Christmas and adore finely crafted religious figurines, then this nativity set will make a perfect addition to your Christmas decor this year.

You can buy this festive set here: Nativity Set Figurines Including Baby Jesus, Wise Men and Animals.

The tallest figurine is 19.5″ in height.

This small Merry Christmas Tree is a perfect size to be used as a table top festive ornament. It has three inner layers of metal candle holders inside the cone shaped mesh surrounding. Red and green decorations adorn the outside, with faux sprigs of holly attached to the outer rims seen circling the tree at various points. Naturally, the cone can be removed whilst the candles are replaced and lit.

What I particularly like about this table top Christmas tree candle holder sculpture is the beautiful decorative features that make up the curved bars curving in all directions across the mesh. This means, when all the candles are lit and lights are lowered, the reflections on the walls of the room, will be astonishing. As one might imagine, the flickering candlelight will create a dancing light effect into the whole interior of the room in which it is placed.

By day it will be a pretty ornament that will add a festive decorative feature to your Christmas interior themes and by night, it will become a magical light show in the darkness of mid-Winter. The Christmas tree candle holder sculpture will certainly add a sparkle to the mystery and excitement of Christmas Eve, especially for young children.

You can buy this decorative accessory from the following location: Table Top Christmas Tree Candle Holder Sculpture.

There’s also a larger version which is linked to from the above page.