For centuries, people have decorated their homes for Christmas.

There are many notions as to where this tradition began, but according to holidayspot.com, the most popular theory dates back to the seventh century.

A monk by the name of Saint Boniface is thought to be the first person who brought a fir tree to the German people to decorate, claiming the triangular shape of the tree represented the Holy Trinity.

The German people embraced the tradition, and in 1605, the tree was brought inside, establishing the beginning of the decorated Christmas tree in the home. This website also relates the time Christmas tree decorating grew more diverse with families using their own creativeness to beautify their trees with ornaments.

From these early beginnings, decorating our homes has become a holiday tradition, but with of lives today being so busy, adorning our homes for the holidays can become a daunting task.

Nancy Gray, the owner of Helen’s Florist in Vicksburg, has put together a few holiday decorating tips to make the season less stressful.

Quick Tips

• Check lights before placing them on the tree. It’s not fun to un-decorate the tree if half the lights do not work, Gray said.

• Deciding on a decorating theme like traditional, rustic, whimsical or elegant can make the decorations flow seamlessly.

• When choosing an outside color scheme for the front of your house, consider what color will show best on your door and still be seen from the street.

• Changing ribbon used previously can give a totally different look.

• Incorporate new favorites with family heirlooms.

• Allow children to decorate their own tree using decorations they have made.

• Cut fresh greenery and add to a small vase for an end or bedside table.

• For a dinner party, fill a julep cup with fresh flowers and put at each place setting. “I like to use spray roses,” Gray said or tie a rose onto each napkin. “This adds color and makes everyone feel special.”

• A bow with a sprig of greenery tied to a candlestick, decanter or lamp adds a little oomph.

• Add fresh greens to silk trees to add depth and scent.

• A poinsettia, any size, put anywhere in the home, makes for instant Christmas.

• Do not forget chandeliers on your decorating list.  Greenery, ornaments and kissing balls with ribbons trailing onto tabletops add a festive touch.

• When using a floral designer, photograph the front of your house or room to show colors, scale and style to help the florist advise you.

• After the holidays, undo bows and roll up the ribbon. It will allow the ribbon to last longer.

• To protect Christmas wreaths, try hanging them as opposed to stacking them.