5 Unique Christmas Tree Decorating Themes

It's easy for families to fall into a Christmas tree decorating rut.  Every year they get out the same decorations-the same round glass ornaments, lights, tinsel, and star for the top of the tree.  After a while, the same old thing becomes boring!  If you're looking for some fresh new ideas for decorating your Christmas tree, look no further.  We've got five unique decorating themes that will make your holiday tree a lot more interesting.

The Patriotic Tree
Every family can appreciate a Christmas tree decked out in red, white, and blue, and it's especially appropriate if you have family members who are veterans or currently serving our country.  After the Fourth of July is the time to stock up on items for this decorating theme.  Look for little American flags, stars, empty firecracker boxes, and other patriotic memorabilia.  Large red, white, and blue pom-poms can be a nice touch on a patriotic tree, too, because they give the impression of a firecracker or sparkler.

The Children's Tree
For a family with young children, this decorating theme is particularly enjoyable.  Children's trees should be whimsical and young-at-heart, covered with toy trains, dolls, candy, and all things enjoyable to kids.  Small boxes of crayons, paint sets, chalk, toy cars, little books, and balloon animals are other fun ideas.  Remember that with children's trees, it's critical to consider the age of the children in the home, and to choose age appropriate decoration.  You don't want to decorate with any items that could be choking hazards.

The Animal Lover's Tree
Not all families have children; some have pets instead.  If you're an animal lover, why not decorate a special Christmas tree just for your beloved companion?  Obviously, the types of decorations used will vary depending on the type of pet you have.  For a dog, chew toys and dog-themed ornaments are a good place to start.  If you have cats in your home, look for small cat toys, tins of catnip (well sealed, of course), and cat-shaped ornaments.

The Sports Team Tree
Many families have a favorite sports team that they follow.  Why not decorate your holiday tree to show your team spirit?  Begin by choosing all decorations in your team's colors.  Then add special team memorabilia, including any small items with the team logo on them.  Old ticket stubs from past games can also be a fun touch.

The New Year's Tree
If you're someone who spends most of your holiday season looking forward to New Year's Eve and the many parties and celebrations that go with it, then a New Year's Eve tree may be just what you're looking for.  Fun decorations might include noisemakers, small plastic New Year's babies, plastic champagne glasses, empty mini champagne bottles, corks, and party hats.  This tree will be particularly enjoyable if you host a New Year's Eve party at your home.

Remember, decorating a unique and interesting holiday tree doesn't have to be difficult.  Your imaginations is the limit when it comes to decorating themes, so have fun and don't be afraid to try something new this year!