Now more than ever, it seems the world is ready for Christmas to be here. As Christmas cheer spreads abroad, many are excited for the anticipation and joy that Christmas brings. With Christmas cheer comes decorating. The smell of pine trees, the twinkling lights, the quiet serenity of falling snow all add to the magic of the holiday. In this article, we’ll be discussing seven essential decorations for your home this holiday season:

1. Personalized Christmas ornaments
Personalized ornaments represent a variety of memories and moments. Examples include first Christmas as a couple, baby’s first Christmas, or ones celebrating memories of Christmases past at different locations. Many retail stores like Walmart or Walgreens can create personalized ornaments. Average cost: $10 per ornament for a photo one.

2. Artificial Christmas trees
There are a variety of benefits to purchasing an artificial Christmas tree. The top is the cost. With artificial trees being reusable, it saves a family money as buying a real tree each year can range from $5 for a small tree up to $20+ for a large tree. Appearance is another large factor as well as cleanliness. Real trees lose needles and often require continual maintenance. Prelit artificial Christmas trees are a valued decoration as it reduces the cost of purchasing lights and dealing with the monotonous task of untangling them and replacing lights each year. Cost ranges from $60 for a small one up to $700 for a large one. Prices differ based on ornamentation.

3. Christmas wreaths
Right now, the debate is out about real vs. fake wreaths for your home. Artificial wreaths are hypoallergenic and shaped more easily, while real can be recycled and are beneficial for the environment. The benefit of a wreath, in general, is that it adds warmth and invitation to your home and it represents everlasting life. Artificial Wreaths: $10 up to $700 depending on size. Real: $10 up to $100.

4. Christmas stockings
Today stockings are filled with trinkets and gifts for the owners, creating wonder and joy even if you don’t have a fireplace. Monogrammed Christmas stockings create a more personal feel on the holidays and prevent arguing over whose is whose. Cost $15+.

5. LED Christmas string lights
LED lights are safer, cheaper long term, eco-friendly, and are more durable and versatile than non-LED lights. LED lights, compared to their incandescent counterparts, last about ten times longer and are made of plastic, are less likely to break, and are easier to put away. Cost: $8+ depending on size and how many strands are needed.

6. Dancing Santas
Dancing Santa’s add fun and enjoyment to the holidays. Offering light-hearted play on the jolly old St. Nicholas, these electronic Santas can spread holiday cheer in your home and outside your home, depending on the kind that you get. Cost: $10 up to $1400 for a life size dancing Santa.

7. Festive garland
Garland fits into any home and aids in bringing festive cheer to the home. With a variety of symbols from peace to purity, garland adorned on any stairway, tree, or porch adds warmth to the home it graces. Garland comes in many different varieties from DIY with popcorn, tinsel, artificial, and real with varying costs. Tinsel garland: $1.50+, artificial garland: $4.00+, real garland: $16+.