Here are 10 easy decorating idea's and tips to make your home festive for Christmas this year.

• Hang a collection of Christmas stockings on your mantel, wall or even your banister.  The more the merrier.

• String popcorn, cranberries, beads etc. hang the garland all over the house and especially  on your Christmas tree  This is a great one to get your kids involved in.

• Lights, lights, lights, the more the better.  On your mantel, Christmas tree, banister, everywhere.

• Start a family tradition.  Every year we go out and buy a new Christmas decoration for the house along with a new ornament for each person in the family for the Christmas tree.  This activity is something my kids look forward to,  choosing our yearly decoration together along with their very own special ornament for the tree.  I know it will be a fond memory for them, and I plan on letting each child take their own ornaments that they have chosen over the years with them when the day comes that they leave the nest.  What a great way for them to start their collection and for them to remember Christmas past in their own homes.

• Now we come to trees.  My favorite.  Don't  stop with just one.  Put smaller, extra trees in the kitchen, bedrooms, anywhere you spend time.  Let the kids pick a tree that they can decorate on their own. (and parents don't bud in....let them do it.) They will feel so good about themselves when it's done.  While they're decorating you can take some video.

• Bring out all your children's Christmas books, your Christmas holiday magazines and display them on coffee tables, shelves, bathrooms, etc.. Here is a fun thing to do with your family.  Starting on December 1st pick a story from one of your Christmas book and read it together.  Choose a new one each night until December 24th . (You know what one you should read on this night)  Twas the Night Before Christmas.  Just another great family tradition.

• Take some extra time and care in gift-wrapping.  Put some thought into where you're placing them under and around the tree.  Your gifts to your loved ones are a holiday decoration addition.  Not only do they get to enjoy them, but everyone can enjoy the look of them while under the tree.

• Don't forget the outside of your house.  This is the first thing your visitors see when arriving.  Trim your outdoor trees with light (lots of  light) and even large ornaments.  Tip number 1. Put your lights on a timer. This way you don't have to worry about running outside in the cold to unplug them each night. Tip number 2. Put your lights on the trees, house, porch etc. by mid November.  This way hopefully your not battling the snow and ice while on the roof.  (REMEMBER NOT TO TURN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON TILL DECEMBER 1ST.)

• Bring out pictures of Christmas past along crafts the kids have given to you over the years.  Not only will you enjoy looking at these, but your company over the holidays are sure to enjoy them as well.

• Last but not least. We all want to save some money over the holiday's.  Use LED lights.  Indoor and out.  You can leave them on longer without worry about the Hydro bill at the end of the season..  They are also cool to the touch, so you don't have to worry about your kids getting burned by them.