We are not big on decorating the outside of our house for Christmas. Before I tell you why, let’s take a step back. We are Hindus so naturally celeberating the birth of Christ is not one of our festivals. But having gone to Catholic schools all through childhood and grownig up amidst Christian neighbors and friends we were exposed to the fun and joy of the holiday from early on. We used to celebrate Christmas (on a small scale) in our parent’s home in India too.
When we moved to the US, we waited till the kids formally asked us, “Everyone else has a Christmas tree, why can’t we have one?” to get a tree. In 2010 we got our first tree. This year we started with the mantel and the porch. So I guess you could say we are just getting started. As beautiful as they look, houses adorned with ‘not a single inch of space left in the yard or porch’ lights, seem like a ton of work to set up. I know B for sure and I are not up to that kinda work. And even if we managed to have it all set up who is going to take it all down?
I know it is part tradition part fun to deck your home with lights but not having done so in our childhood we are not too nostaligc about the whole thing. Or maybe I’m starting to show my age by not willing to take up this holiday chore? Anyways, when it comes to outdoor lighting I’m sticking to my ‘less is more’ motto for now.
Here are a few homes that follow the same rule. In this case, lights in small doses and holiday wreaths with red bows make for an inviting Christmas porch. All pics courtsey Houzz.
Did you know you can totally skip the lights and still get a holiday feel? Frgrant pine garlands and red bows do the trick here.
Hanging them on red ribbons is a fun way to bring ornamemts to the outside. Fresh garlands strung over the porch railings scream Christmas spirit.
Notice a theme here? More gardlands and wreaths now.
The next one is my favorite from one of my favorite bloggers, Kate from Censational Girl. She adds holiday cheer to her porch with a pair of poinseittas, a red berry wreath, and glass ornaments.
courtsey Censational Girl
Do you go all out on your Christmas ligthing? If so how do you tackle it? Any tip on pre and post organiziation?
Hi Vidya,
I have been setting up a Christmas tree since 2009 and have enjoyed every bit of it,just love the smell of fresh pine. As for the outdoors, we have two small pine trees, red and green lights go on either of them. My garage doors continue to have the Diwali/Christmas lights until January.
Sree
That is so true. Nothing beats the smell of fresh pine. Maybe we’ll switch out our fake tree one of these days. A lot of our Indian neighbors do the same, the Diwali lights stay up till Jan.
Vidya