Seek out candy cane and life saver garland to drape over the branches. Buy several miniature copies of Clement Moore’s book. Add a bit of red, green or gingham ribbon to hang it from the tree. The ideas for this theme are endless.

Add the finishing touch by adding a Santa tree-topper to your tree. These are available in red, white, blue and green. It’s your choice if you go modern or traditional.

When you’ve arranged your ornaments to your satisfaction and Santa is gazing down from the top of your tree, it’s time to add a tree-skirt. If you sew, stop by the fabric store and purchase Night Before Christmas fabric that’s been pre-quilted. This comes in rich blue with Santa and his team flying over the houses on the big night.

If you don’t have a tree-skirt pattern at home, pick one up when you purchase the fabric. You will also need a spool of thread, piping or another type of trim. If you don’t know how to sew, ask a family member or friend to whip up a tree-skirt. Seamstresses who work out of their home will make a tree-skirt for you in short order. Shop around. Seamstresses should be able to sew a tree-skirt for between $20.00 and $30.00.

If all else fails, drape the pre-quilted fabric around the Christmas tree stand, or use a Christmas afghan or quilt. Once this has been done, place several porcelain dolls, balls and other small toys under the tree to give it an old-fashioned look. Wagons or rocking horses are great if you have enough space and have them in the basement or attic.

Once you have all of these things taken care of, shut out the lights in the room, light the village houses on the mantle, plug in the tree and turn on the moon-shaped lamp. Now, sit back, relax and listen to a little Christmas music while enjoying the beautiful scene on your mantle. Your room will be filled with magic, charm and enchantment that will be the talk of the neighborhood.