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Your front door is the first impression visitors get as they enter your home. Make them feel more comfortable with these holiday changes.

HANG A WREATH

Wreaths symbolize growth and everlasting life and have been a decorative sign of Christmas for hundreds of years. Its circular shape represents the unending circle of life. In Christian homes it represents the crown of thorns placed upon the head of Christ at his crucifixion. Inexpensive artificial wreaths are available at most department stores and can be hung easily. Reusable over-the-door wreath hangers, available for just a few dollars, allow for a beautiful display. A live wreath provides a pleasant scent that relaxes guests and invites olfactory senses to partake in the yuletide spirit.

Other festive plants that can be placed at or near your door include poinsettias, small potted shrubs, miniature Christmas trees or strands of holly.

HOLIDAY DOOR MATS AND DECORATIONS

Guests tramping through the snow to your doorway will be hesitant to soil your carpet with weather stained footwear. Remove their inhibition by replacing that old doormat with a holiday mat. Whether you display singing snowmen, a Christmas tree, or galloping reindeer mat, you'll set the tone for good cheer.

The holiday welcome need not be limited to the feet. Spruce up the hospitality with a door decoration. A simple welcome sign hung from a door hanger or a nail provides the perfect message for your holiday guests. If you're concerned about including multiple faiths this season, welcome signs for all faiths are available. Most department stores carry greetings for all holidays, and if you can't find it at the store, you can find it online.

Don't forget holiday lighting. A simple strand of lights around the door sends a festive message to holiday guests. If a strand of lights isn't simple enough, replace the bulb in your porch light with a holiday bulb. Red and green floodlights near the door have the same effect.

SOUNDS OF THE HOLIDAYS

You've appealed to the sense of sight with door decorations and holiday lights. You've appealed to the sense of smell with pine scented wreaths. Now it's time to appeal to the sense of sound. An inexpensive audio machine placed in the vicinity of your door sets the tone for holiday fun.

Changing the doorbell chime to a holiday song adds an element of fun. Hanging bells on the doorknob, a very simple change proves most effective. The last thing your guests will hear as they enter your home is the sound of jingle bells, and I've yet to hear anything more welcoming than that.

Learn more about this author, Trent Lorcher.
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