Thanksgiving has come and gone and now we are into the traditional season for Winter holiday decorations.  But don’t think this time of year is only for Christmas decorations.

This year, Hannukah begins December 2 and ends December 10.

Though it is not considered one of the major Jewish holidays, Hannukah falls around the same time as Christmas every year when most local homes are decorated in festive lights, wreaths, and inflatable mascots like Santa Claus, Rudolph the Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman.

So why should our Jewish neighbors miss out on the fun?

Some Hannukah decorating tips found on Jewish parenting website, Kveller.com, include putting up blue and white lights along with traditional Hannukah items such as dreidels and menorahs.

Also, in an article titled, “Is There a Right Way to Decorate for Hannukah?,” the author points out there is “nothing religious about tinsel and Frosty the Snowman” or the commercial aspect of the season.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day fall on December 24 and 25 every year, but the Christmas decorating season officially kicks off the day after Thanksgiving.

By the time you are reading this, there is a good chance that you have put up Christmas lights and already decorated the tree.  If you live in one of the local neighborhoods, there is a 100% chance you have neighbors who have already decorated their homes.

How you choose to decorate depends on whether you are a Minimalist, a Traditionalist, or an Enthusiast.

Minimalists.  You may put a wreath on the front door and candles in the the windows, but that’s about it. If this sounds like you, I encourage you to spruce it up just a touch this year by adding evergreen sashes with red bows beneath the windows on the front of your house.

Traditionalists.  Your taste is very conservative.  White lights, candles, and lots of evergreen including wreaths, sashes, and garland.  Tinsel and beads adorn the tree along with gold and silver balls.

Perhaps you are on the bold end of the spectrum and incorporate red ribbon and colorful plaids inside your home and a Nativity scene on your front lawn.

If this describes you, check out “Top 40 Traditional Christmas Decoration Ideas” on Christmas.365greetings.com for ideas on how to make your home look like the set of a Hallmark movie.

Enthusiasts.  Does the name Clark Griswold ring a bell? As in, your neighbors constantly refer to you by the moniker made famous by Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation this time of year?

You are my absolute favorite type of holiday decorator!

Whether you are of the choreographed light show variety or if you have 100 Christmas themed lawn ornaments and are featured on the Tacky Homes Tour, I commend you for your holiday chutzpah!

I’ll probably never be quite like you because I am married to a traditionalist, however, we balance each other out with a mixture of colorful, fun and tasteful Christmas decorations.

Whether you are celebrating Hannukah, Christmas, or another Winter holiday this month, I encourage you to get into the festive spirit that comes from decorating your home.

Share your favorite decoration pictures with us at Facebook.com/skyecroftrealtygroup and we will post them to our page!

And remember to practice kindness and gratitude during the holidays.  Better yet, practice them all year round!