The Sensuous Appeal of Lighted Candy Canes

Lighted candy canes in snow

Does the sight of a lighted lighted candy cane on a snow-covered lawn immediately fill you with happiness and nostalgia? It should come as no surprise that for most people, it does. But why is that?

Christmastime brings much joy to all kinds of people for all kinds of different reasons. For the religious, there’s the birth of Jesus to be celebrated. For the secular-minded, age-old cultural traditions from all over Europe are revived and re-enacted. Kids love Christmas, of course, because Santa comes to make their material wishes come true. Best of all, for everybody, the Christmas season initiates one long feast for the senses. Consider:

  1. The Sights of Christmas: Though it’s close to the darkest time of the year, everywhere you look you see the exteriors of homes that are decorated to the hilt and brightly lit. Inside, poinsettias in flower pots grace tabletops, every corner is festooned with decorations, and miniature Nativity scenes remind everyone what Christmas is originally all about.
  2. The Smells of Christmas: Certain pleasant aromas have the power to evoke lovely holiday memories. Who has not experienced a moment of euphoria when catching the piney scent of a natural Christmas tree in the living room or, in the kitchen, the smell of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
  3. The Tastes of Christmas: So much about this holiday involves flavor. What goes best with ginger bread—mulled wine or hot chocolate? From sugar cookies to eggnog, there are so many gustatory delights to choose from!
  4. The Sounds of Christmas: Sleigh bells loudly ringing, a department store Santa’s “Ho-ho-ho,” and holiday songs, new and old, secular and religious, fill the air. If those don’t put you in a joyous mood, nothing will.
  5. The Feel of Christmas: How does a person “touch” Christmas? The funny thing is, most of the time it is Christmas that touches us in some way, and it is often a study in contrasts. Imagine the feel of cold winter air and snowflakes on your face—and then, a few minutes later, you are snuggling in front of a fire in a fireplace.

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The Origins of Santa’s Sleigh and Reindeer

Santa Claus with Sleigh and Reindeer

’Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.


Without a doubt the most popular Christian holiday in the west is Christmas; and this poem by Clement C. Moore, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” is surely one of the most recognizable and beloved. The description of Santa Claus flying through the air on a sleigh drawn by eight reindeer is both fantastic and unforgettable.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave a luster of midday to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

Clement Moore: The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
A page from the 1948 Artists and Writers Guild edition of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”

But whence came such other-worldly imagery?

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Popular Christmas Ornaments

It’s never too early to begin thinking about the upcoming holiday season. As the summer months come to an end, Christmas decor will begin to appear on store shelves. An obvious staple to holiday decor is the Christmas tree. If you are someone who enjoys the tradition of decorating your tree the same annually, investing in a few new ornaments can help revitalize your tree. Inversely, if you enjoy the excitement of changing up your tree decor consider the most popular Christmas ornaments for inspiration. Monochromatic ornament color packages offer a great basis for changing your decor color scheme. If you’re looking for something to add to an existing assortment consider a classic candy cane or toy soldier ornament.

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Christmas Desserts Around The World

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a classic array of Christmas desserts. Accompanying savory holiday meals with indulgent sweets is tradition all over the world. From the German Stollen to the American candy cane, the treats may differ, but the camaraderie that they represent stays constant. In this post I will describe to you some of the most popular holiday desserts from places across the globe; hopefully inspiring you to try something new and learn more about traditions elsewhere. If you’re passionate about holiday treats, consider translating this into your decor with lighted candy canes.

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3 Great Places to Decorate With Giant Toy Soldiers

Life-size Christmas decorations are a fun, exciting way to give spaces more holiday spirit. One of the more festive choices for a massive Christmas decoration that ill give onlookers joy and cheer this year are giant toy soldiers and nutcrackers. They are festive adornments that often appeal to children and adults alike, making friends and strangers alike crack smiles during the holiday season. They are also some of the more popular life-size Christmas decorations to put up, but if you’re thinking about getting one, you may be wondering where to put it when the season comes. Here are some suggestions.

Outside Lawns

Having a massive nutcracker or giant toy soldier placed outside can bring a bit of warmth to a chilly December day. Many schools and churches put these decorations outside their buildings during the Christmas season. Businesses will also keep festive with these life-size figures if they have lawn space to decorate. Customers and patrons enjoy the novelty and holiday cheer associated with these pieces, so there is no need to keep your Christmas decorations completely inside. Folks who enjoy having elaborate Christmas displays at their house can also add a lot to their seasonal fun by incorporating a giant nutcracker into their plans.

Inside Stores

Holiday shopping is stressful, but shoppers can always get a little more when they’re reminded of the reasons they’re out in the first place. If you have a larger store, putting a giant toy soldier on display is often a great way to make kids happy while their parents shop and just give your store a happier feeling during an often stressful time of year. Malls and shopping centers can also benefit from these life-size decorations.

Accompanying Large Christmas Trees

Massive Christmas trees that climb high into the sky are something everyone looks forward to each holiday season whether those trees are outside or inside. Decorating these trees can create beautiful displays, but sometimes the display needs a bit more novelty surrounding the tree. That’s where a few giant toy soldiers can really make a difference and elevate your tree display, making sure everyone will remember it and bringing smiles to their faces every time they do.

 

When you’re thinking about elaborate holiday displays this year, whether you’re planning for a school, organization, business, library or even a big display at your house, consider adding the flare of a life-size nutcracker or toy soldier to bring it to the next level!

Top Trends For 2021 Christmas Decor

santas chair

It is never too early to start planning your Christmas decorations for the upcoming season. Perhaps, you feel like every year you put out the same inflatable Santa Claus or outdoor nativity set and want to change up your routine. Christmas decor trends are the perfect place for anyone to draw inspiration. From color to proportion, the trends of the year can help guide you to decorate in a way that elevates your space while still conveying an overall sense of holiday cheer. 

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Christmas Traditions of Ireland

Christmas traditions around the world differ, however, the values that people celebrate during the holidays remain true everywhere: Family, faith, and spreading cheer. Centered around these ideals, Irish Christmas traditions are no exception. Whether it be gathering as a community to sing carols or decorating a Christmas tree with the family, every Irish holiday tradition is meant to bring light and love into the lives of others. 

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The History of the Christmas Reindeer

During Christmas time we’re surrounded by the tale of Santa and his trusted reindeer.  Stories such as, “T’was the Night Before Christmas,” and others like it have embedded Santa and his reindeer into Christmas culture. Often, children have memorized the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” by the time they’re five. We have fostered a Christmas culture heavily reliant on the concept of the Christmas reindeer, however, few know the reindeer’s true history. 

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Christmas Means Decorating

christmas

The Christmas season is upon us and, ho ho ho, it’s time for decorating.  The main event for many of us is a Christmas tree, which can be real, meaning it was once alive, or artificial.  There are a variety of options for real trees.  And within each class of tree, there are choices as well.  Fir trees, for example, include: Balsam, Fraser, Canaan and Douglas to name a few.   Some real tree enthusiasts remain steadfastly loyal to Spruce or Pine.  Because a tree purchased from a lot may shed its needles before the New Year, some people cut down their tree.  Today, many tree farms allow you to roam around the selection of trees in the Fall and label your tree for cutting in December.  This eliminates all those freezing ventures, stomping through deep snow, trying to select just the right one.  Most of us who’ve cut down our own tree have not experienced an adventure equal to that of the Griswald family.

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Don’t Let the Coronavirus Steal Christmas

outdoor nativity

This Christmas season, the Coronavirus could be a metaphor for the cantankerous protagonist in Dr. Suess’s book How The Grinch Stole Christmas.  The Grinch is an unhappy creature with a heart “two sizes too small” wanting to ensure that everyone feels as lonely as he, which isn’t too far from reality right now. The Coronavirus is an insidious virus made up of spike proteins that act like grappling hooks, ensuring practically everyone who comes in contact with it gets sick. Yikes!  Well we know what to do about the virus, but what about feeling woeful about Christmas?  Maybe Dr. Suess’s book can give us direction.

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