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There are lots of ways to add Christmas spirit to a book shelf. Add a swag of holly or pine across the top, or  along the font on a shelf.  Line up small figures, such as German smokers, in front of the books. (These were all purchased at a 100 yen store, though they are so small they snuff out any incense. so the smoke never comes out of their mouths.) If there is a gap in the books, place a stand and showcase some of you favorite tree ornaments that would go unnoticed on a tree.  Clear one shelf and fill with an assortment of decorations--on this top shelf : a glass filled with candy canes,  a felt gingerbread house, a stocking filled with bubble wrap and topped with toys and candy, a sleigh filled with presents, and a glass bowl filled with plastic balls.( All the items on this shelf ,with the exception of the bowl and marshmallow ornaments, were purchased at a 100 yen store.)

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These cute ceramic snowmen didn't seem to fill the space well when standing alone, but adding greenery grounded them and filled out the space. The snowmen are actually candle stands so they have holes for light to shine out.  Battery operated "tea lights" make it safe to leave these unattended, and are often sold at hundred yen stores, dollar stores, and American craft  stores.

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Over the nearly 30 years I have owned this wreath, it has gone through many changes--from multi-colored and toy laden to natural with berries and pine cones, and baby's breath, to sporting only purple balls, to this red version, Sorry I don’t have pictures of each style. When you make or buy a wreath, it doesn’t have to stay the same forever. Experiment with different colors and different  ornaments, and see what you like best. Have fun, and don't get stuck in a rut.

 

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If you get tired of always decorating your front door with a wreath, try something different, such as a wooden plaque. When I first hung this, it showed up well against the dark door, but it seemed to lack something when it hung alone. I tried adding the second smaller plaque that says, "Merry Christmas," which helped, but it still didn't look as good as I hoped it would. Then I tried adding the bow, and that seemed to do the trick. Keep experimenting until you like the way it looks.

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This swag is really a 100 yen store tree turned sideways, and fastened on with a very short tension rod. The plaid bow matches the bow on the front door, and the candle shows from the inside, and blends well with the outside decorations.

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A basket of poinsettias is a great way to add a splash of color. This one is on the stairs where it is not likely to get kicked over. Once you have decorated your house, look around for bare spots-- a potted poinsettia might be a good way to dress up the front door, bathroom, or empty corner of a countertop.

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We do not have a fireplace to hang our stockings, but we do have a very, very tall wall in our stairwell that is difficult to decorate.  One way to fill the empty space is to stack one thing above another--in this case, a felt advent calendar, the kids' stockings, and a fabric Christmas wreath. They hang from tension rods.

 

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A chalk board or white board is a fun way for kids to keep track of how many days are left until Christmas. Hang it on the front door, and on their way to school, they can erase the old number and write the new number. This one was purchased at a dollar store, and re-painted, and a snowman, also bought at a dollar store, was glued on to make it more interesting. If you want to make one, buy a chalk board or whiteboard and glue on flat Christmas decorations.