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(ARA) - Do you long for the days when you faced the "most wonderful time of the year" with joyful anticipation rather than stress-filled dread? You're not
alone: nearly half of all Americans report an increase in stress levels as the end-of-year holidays approach.
But it doesn't have to be that way. Experts agree keeping it simple can help keep Christmas enjoyable. "One reason so many of us love the idea of an
'old-fashioned Christmas' is because our lives seemed much simpler then, and the joys of Christmas were simpler as well," says Glenda Lehman Ervin of Lehman's
old-time general store, and a self-confessed Christmas connoisseur.
Evoking the simple joys of an old-fashioned Christmas doesn't have to be a complicated affair, Lehman Ervin says. "Few of us have time for all the old-fashioned
traditions, but by choosing some pleasant, easy traditions, you can create the Christmas atmosphere without the holiday stress." Lehman Ervin recommends
creating the Christmas atmosphere with a few holiday home decorating touches that appeal to multiple senses:
* Sight - When you think of an old-fashioned Christmas, what images come to mind? Candy canes, cookies, and popcorn strands adorning the Christmas tree? The
popcorn strand is easier than ever to make and still a fun family project for the holidays. Decorating with cookies may not be practical, but borrow their homey
feel by decorating with cookie cutters. Functional and beautiful, cookie cutters can be unique napkin rings for your holiday table, and eye-catching decorations
for your Christmas tree.
"A good set of Christmas cookie cutters is never a bad investment," Lehman Ervin says. "You'll use them year after year to make your family's favorite holiday
treats and to dress up your home for the holidays."
* Sound - "Sleigh bells ring. Are you listening?" Sleigh bells create the quintessential Christmas melody. If you're fresh out of reindeer to adorn, try hanging
a strap of sleigh bells on your front door. Their warm sound will be a great greeting for holiday guests.
"The sound I most associate with Christmas is children's laughter," says Lehman Ervin. You can almost count on squeals of glee on Christmas morning when the
presents are opened, but decorating your home with a few traditional toys prior to the holidays can help keep them laughing right up to the big day. "Think of
toys that are simple - things that you might have played with as a child, like a classic musical jack-in-the-box or an old-fashioned spinning circus top," she
says.
* Scent - Evergreen, spices, bayberry and baked goods are all scents that evoke the holidays. Choose Christmas décor that appeals not only to the eyes but to
the nose as well. Drape fir branches, tied with a red bow, above a doorway. Place bayberry scented candles in your windows. "Another way your Christmas cookie
cutters will pay off - the aroma of freshly baked Christmas cookies," Lehman Ervin says.
"Anything you use to bring Christmas to your home can also bring the spirit of the season to your friends, far-off family and business associates," she notes.
"Giving a gift that says 'old-fashioned Christmas' also tells the recipient that you really put some thought into their gift."
"They key is to find a few special things to do so that you don't add to your holiday stress," Lehman Ervin says. "I do a lot at Christmas, but I only do what I
really want to do. These things really bring the spirit of Christmas to my home without ruining the holidays for me."
You'll find traditional bayberry candles, sleigh bells, copper cookie cutters, classic children's toys and more old-fashioned Christmas ideas and decorating
touches at www.lehmans.com.
Note: This article was submitted by a second party and the contents are subject to
our disclaimer.
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