Christmas Countdown Day 32: Holiday House!

There's something special about a holiday house.

This weekend, my husband and I will scour the storage room, drag out the boxes, and begin decorating for Christmas. Lighted garlands, fresh poinsettias, bright bows will the entire feeling of our home.

"It's such a merry, cheery holiday house, Sweetie!" Dr. Steve is sure to remark.

Yes, my dear husband loves the holiday season. So much so that he'll spend 30 minutes poring over the professionally-installed holiday lighting on a neighbor's home and laying plans for the coming weekend. Will he do our neighbors one better? Only the Home Depot knows for sure!

Best of all, his enthusiasm--and the spell of a holiday house--will rub off on me. Each evening, I'll circle the house, plugging in lights and flipping switches. I'll pause by the "travel tree", a small artificial tree holding all the ornaments and keepsakes we've collected on trips around the world. I'll smile at "The Wise Santa", and remember the wonderful afternoon when my 16-year-old daughter and I constructed him from batting and fabric and tiny toys.

Are you enjoying the holidays yet? It's the day before Thanksgiving, and time to switch out of stress mode and into a state of childlike appreciation. And if you're not there yet? Borrow a child! He or she will show you the way, marveling over each new manifestation of the coming holidays.

Where to begin? Right here at home. Let your home spark every sense with holiday feeling. Let's Decorate ... for the merriest Christmas you've ever had!

to do today ...

Plan holiday decorations using our Room-by-Room Decor Planner

Prepare for Thanksgiving dinner, baking desserts and preparing salads and side dishes ahead.

Black Friday sales warriors, organize your shopping strategy with our printable Holiday Sales Planner. Get organized for great shopping the day after Thanksgiving!

to print today ...

Room Decor

Sales Planner

to read today ...

Last-minute help for trouble in the kitchen:

Turkey Talk: Answers to Six Most-Asked Questions

today's recipe ...

What? You need a recipe, today of all days? Get back in that kitchen!