Friendly competition amongst neighbours is a true Bajan tradition.
And the Holiday season always signals the start of fresh and amicable rivalry.
Now while some homeowners are thinking of whether a new coat of Harris paint will do, others are contemplating what colour curtains they will be putting up on Christmas Eve to match their newly purchased rug.
However, getting an edge on the house next door will all come down to the finer festive details.
Here are a few tips to celebrate Christmas in style and have your neighbours turning their heads.
Dressy Window Décor
Dress up your windows with fairy lights or themed vegetation customized with underused Christmas decorations from the previous year. This low cost and easy decor option will brighten up and add a festive flair to your home.
Suggestions: LED String Lights
Place a festive Wreath on your door
Signal your welcome of the Christmas Season. Make a non-traditional door wreath or customize a blank pine canvas with unique finishing touches to add even more personality to the entrance of your home.
Suggestions: Live Christmas Wreath (Kooyman), Decorative Ribbon (Abeds)
Create an Outdoor Light Display
Dazzle passersby with an arrangement of outdoor light displays. You can get as simple as your Aunt Mildred with minimal colour for a classy winter wonderland look or as complex as the love triangle 3 houses down. Whatever your choice, LED rope lights and Christmas light projectors are also good options to be considered for displays.
Suggestion: LED Rope Lights (Carter’s)
Make Christmas Themed signage
Get creative and whip those tools out! Point your neighbours to the best Christmas Wonderland in the area by creating directional Santa signage. Tickle the kid’s by creating a Santa mailbox where they can place their wishes. Don’t forget to share those wishes with their parents unless you have a supersized Christmas budget.
Suggestions: Rust Oleum Chalk Board Paint (Kooyman), Plywood, nails (Pre-cut from your vendor of choice)
Prune Plants and Add Colour to your Garden
Have you been a bad plant mom? It’s time to prune and make sure your plant babies are in tip top condition. Replace old plants where necessary. You’ll need a nice canvas for your outdoor light display after all.
As the Season progresses, I know some of us may not be feeling the spirit just yet but someone needs to be the one to start the chain effect. Rekindle that warm Bajan Christmas feeling where neighbours sought to find out who could have the best outdoor holiday displays. Spread the light of the season for everyone to see, including me.