Santa Claus is an unmistakable character that is an essential part of the modern Christmas. Children adore him and adults have fond memories of his visits to their homes when they were kids themselves. Just the sight of Santa Claus in his distinctive red and white costume brings a smile of happiness and recognition to the majority of people. That’s why this life-size Santa Claus will make a wonderful decorative addition to a home which will be hosting some jolly festivities and family gatherings.

The 6-foot tall Santa comes with a display platform upon which his feet are attached. This allows the tall figure to be placed anywhere on flat ground whether on carpets, wooden floors, tiles or concrete. You can position the Santa in a standing position next to a doorway, table, Christmas tree, staircase or in the center of a room. Alternatively, he can be seated on a sofa, armchair, bed, bench or even at a piano. The possibilities are limitless. He will become a magnet for fun festive photo opportunities that will be remembered forever.

You can buy this Santa Claus figure here: Six Foot Life Sized Santa Claus.

It is intended primarily for display and as such is not suited as a children’s toy.

The Nativity is one of the most well-known narratives in the world and has been depicted in paintings and images for many centuries. Nativity scenes depict the birth of Jesus as described in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. Sculptures of this famous scene are not just a modern phenomenon. From the 16th Century onwards, nativity scenes made from stone and wood were found in churches and cathedrals across Christendom. Although the earliest Nativity sculpture can be dated all the way back to the 4th century on an Ancient Roman Christian sarcophagus now found beneath the pulpit of Sant’Ambrogio basilica in Milan, Italy.

The Thomas Kinkade illuminated Nativity tabletop tree measures 16 inches in height and is a feast for the eyes as well as the soul. With a flick of a switch, the tree-shaped sculpture is lit up and the much loved classic carol “Silent Night” begins to play. The sculpture features a number of smaller scenes within the larger nativity story including the arrival of the Magi (3 Kings) and portrayals of shepherds attending to their sheep who witness the angel announcing the birth of Jesus. At the top of the sculpture is an angel and a star, representing the two events that led the Magi and shepherds to the manger.

This beautiful Christian sculpture will make an ideal decorative feature to a room during the Christmas period. With over 40 handcrafted characters nestled cosily into the amazing tree-shaped scene, this illuminated tabletop sculpture will provide many hours of religious reflection, education and Christmas joy to both adults and children alike.

You can buy it here: Handcrafted Nativity Scene Christmas Tree.

Displayed on a mahogany-finish base with brass name plaque with the words “Glory To The Newborn King”.

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.

Spode’s Christmas Tree glass pitcher will compliment existing festive decor schemes as well as match with other dinner and service-ware of a similar nature. A beautifully decorated tree design adorns the side of the pitcher and gifts sit beneath the tree, also increasing the amount of color that decorates the glass. When combined with various drinks such as cocktails, fruit juice, tea or milk, the Christmas tree pattern will contrast with the color just as though one were changing the lights in the room where the tree was located.

The glass pitcher is sturdy yet pleasing to the eye. It’s graceful round belly ensures a large amount can be contained within and a large handle provides a shapely grip for ease of use. Spode’s Christmas tree design is actually world renowned and has been delighting families and collectors alike since the 1930s. One can also find a variety of other tableware in a similar pattern which will group well with this delightful festive pitcher.

You can buy this item here: Spode Christmas Tree Glass Pitcher.

Comes in a nice red holiday box which means it’s ideal as a gift idea.

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 miniature house is wonderfully detailed and draws in the viewer with its intricate designs. Three ghosts appear in the windows together with the miserly Mr Scrooge as well as there being an apparition displayed on the front door. Snow decoration covers the ground and rooves, thereby adding to the cold and wintry ambiance. However, this is contrasted beautifully with the interior illumination which lights up the windows.

The realistically detailed model has been painstakingly hand-painted and this can be seen in the superb rendering of the wood and stone exterior. Its size means it can be located on a table or shelf together with matching ceramic pieces or as a stand-alone feature. Combined with Christmas decoration and other Victorian decor styles, this ceramic Ebenezer Scrooge model house will be a stunning addition to any room.

You can buy this model here: Department 56 Dickens Village Ebenezer Scrooge’s House.

Price: $70.95

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.

It’s not surprising this pub nativity wall mural is so good. Janet Shearer may be local to Cornwall, a county in the south west of England but she is well known worldwide for her artistic works in films, music albums and even in airports. She designed a backcloth for the rock band Pink Floyd’s The Wall album as well as creating murals for London Heathrow airport and the film Aliens.

The Blisland Inn nativity wall mural is a realistic interpretation of the 2,000 year old story of the birth of Christ. The baby Jesus is cradled lovingly in Mary’s arms whilst Joseph looks on beside her. Three wise men and a shepard also stand around the baby and bring gifts of homage. What has made the wall mural more personal and indeed remarkable is the fact that some of the locals faces have been used in the tableaux. For example, the landlord is Joseph whilst the chief barmaid is Mary. The three wise men and the shepherd are some of the pub’s most regular customers. At the bottom is a Jack Russell which is owned by Janet Shearer herself; a little bit of artistic licence.

The nativity scene in the Cornish pub was made using the trompe d’oeil technique which gives a wall mural a 3-D effect and can look extremely life-like. So much so that one local to the pub, before even sipping his pint of beer, said: “I have been coming here for 40 years and I never realized that door was there before.”

It took Janet three weeks to complete the Nativity wall mural scene in the pub. The pub landlord Gary Marshall is pleased with the Christmas mural and says: “I was delighted to let Janet turn this blank wall into such an incredible scene. It was something different and has turned out to be absolutely brilliant. My customers absolutely love it. It has made our Christmas.”

You can see larger images of this mural here: Extraordinarily realistic Nativity mural.

Merry Christmas to all my readers and visitors to Home Interior Design Themes.