It’s the month of December and we all know what that means.  It’s time to start decorating for Christmas.  That is if you haven’t started or finished already.  There is no judgment here if you decorated before Thanksgiving.  

The average American spends around $60 on decorations for Christmas this year.  Although that doesn’t seem like much that is up $20 from the previous year.  Christmas is also one of those holidays where if you do it right you can build up your holiday decor collection over time.  The goal is to choose items that will stand the test of time.  

Don’t Hang Stockings Over An Open Fire. 

As we all start to decorate there is also the matter of safety when it comes to the holiday.  No one wants a holiday ruined by a house fire or a flood.  Keeping your home quaint and cozy and unsoaked home free of water and smoke is something we all want.  

Some important tips to remember when decorating might seem like a bummer.  If you have an open fireplace that you use then avoid hanging stockings around it.  We all love the books and movies of stockings hung over an open fire, but if you want to have a peaceful Christmas then avoid that.   

Whether you have a fireplace or not there are some creative ways to hang stockings that will prevent a house fire and also be something to show off to friends and family.  

Here are 4 Ways to Alternatively Hang Stockings.

Bedside/Bed Frame 

Hanging stockings at the foot of each bed or on the bedpost can be fun especially if you have kids.  You can sneak in after they are asleep and fill the stockings and when they wake up they have an initial surprise.  After that you can even leave a trail of holiday candy leading to your living room and the rest of the presents under the tree.

An Old Step Ladder

Do you have an old wooden step ladder hanging around in your garage?  That could be the perfect thing to hang your stockings from.  Either set it up in a corner or hang it horizontal from the wall.  If it has paint stains on it that's even better, it gives a rustic touch.  

Stairwell/Banister

Another opportunity for stockings is hang it on the staircase or banister.  Start with a garland over the top or around the railing and hang those festive stockings down the sides.  Just like fireplaces a staircase can be just the focal point of the home that you want.  For an added look sprinkle in some lights as well.  

Old Skies 

For those of you who want to be trendy and ambitious then find an old pair of skis that you have lying around in the attic or maybe you love to go to antique stores.  Either hang the skies criss cross above a horizontal hook for your stockings or hang them straight across and hang them directly to the skies.  

There are lots of creative ways to decorate and have fun making your home a hospital place and a happy place.  Decorating for the holidays, especially in 2020 can be just as important.  You may not be hosting a lot of family and friends this year but a well designed home can help you cope through this season with a sense of normalcy and some extra cheer that we all need.  If we all take time to decorate our homes we can make our neighborhoods look hopeful this Christmas season.