Christmas Tree (and Stand)

This should be the most obvious of the whole list, but to ensure your Christmas holiday is in tip top shape, you'll need at least one Christmas tree.

If you're going with a real tree, you'll also need a stand.

But, if you're into the whole pack it away for later game, no mess-type of tree, an artificial tree is the way to go.

I prefer an artificial tree because of the easy clean up, but I do need my balsam candle going in every room to make it smell like there is a real tree.

I always had real trees growing up, but I remember the dry needles being a nightmare when it was time to kick it to the curb.

I included some of my artificial tree picks below.

And for the record, it's definitely not essential, but we have, over the course of 6+ years acquired 6 trees.

If you're just getting started or doing an overhaul, one tree is totally fine.

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Tree Skirt or Collar

To give the tree a finished look, you'll want to pick a tree skirt or tree collar.

This is all personal preference, but I do find it to be an essential item to making sure no one is playing with the base of the tree.

I go back and forth.

Some of my trees have tree skirts and some have collars.

I think I prefer the collar look, but they're all nice.

I included some fun options below too.

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Ornaments & Tree Topper

Another probably no-brainer, but ornaments and a nice tree topper always make give the tree a finished look.

Don't get me wrong, there are a couple trees we leave sans ornaments, but only a couple.

The ornaments should tell a story – either a color or theme story or a walk down memory lane.

I can never decide which I want, so that's why we have so many trees lol.

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Christmas Wreath(s) Indoors & Out

What would Christmas be without at least one wreath somewhere on your property, right?

Whether you put one on the front door, in your entryway, or on every window, wreathes are the perfect way to bring that Christmas cozy spirit in for the holidays.

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Christmas Stockings

Essential? Absolutely!

Where would you put all those random gifts that are too small to live under the tree?

We love hanging Christmas stockings off of our bookshelf ladder, but this year I might add some to the banister as well.

I would put them on the mantel, but toddler fingers tend to grab and pull, so we've stayed away from that for the time being.

And don't forget one for your furry pets!

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Garland and Lights (Indoor & Out)

Garland is one of my favorite Christmas decorations because it brings that outside feeling indoors.

Garland is great for the mantle, under your television, above doorways, on banisters, or even on top of your kitchen cabinets.

Greenery garland is my favorite, but I included some other types of garland finds below, too!

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Nativity Scene

Christmas just isn't complete without the nativity scene!

That's the whole reason for the season.

Some nativity scenes can run you a bushel of money, but consider this piece more of an heirloom-type item.

For instance, my nativity scene was my grandma and grandpa's.

I still remember looking at it as a kid… it's funny the things you end up finding significant as you age!

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Christmas Linens

This is especially essential Christmas decorations if you are hosting, but I also like to up-level our kitchen table too as part of our Christmas decorating process since we spend so much time sitting at it.

Not only am I talking about table linens, but also bedding!

I have found all kinds of holiday bedding that would really make jumping into bed around the holidays so fun.

Now the Christmas bedding isn't suuupppppeeerrr essential like how I feel about table linens, but it would be nice to at least update the guest bedroom if you're having guests.

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Candles and Mistletoe

No Christmas is complete without the smell of Christmas, amiright?!

There are so many amazing Christmas candles, but my favorite scent is always Balsam which I linked in the picture below.

And don't forget about mistletoe!

We hang a faux mistletoe above our living room entryway and it's always a family favorite.

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Festive Ribbon

Festive ribbon is a great Christmas essential because you can use it in so many ways.

I use my Christmas ribbon to decorate my tree, wrap gifts, decorate the banister and even some door knobs.

Find your favorite Christmas color scheme and pick ribbon to complement it.

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Holiday Serving Platter

Whether it be to serve Santa some cookies or your best dish at Christmas dinner, you can never go wrong with a Christmas serving platter.

This is another one of those nostalgia items for me because my grandma always had the best Christmas dishes to present our holiday treats.

You never know what your kids or grandkids will hang on to, so at the very least snag a holiday serving platter this season.

I included my favorites below.

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Mailbox Swag

This may not seem like a super essential, but it's definitely one to consider.

They have so many really cute, and seriously easy, ways to give your mailbox a little holiday boost.

I included my favorites below, but for not a lot of hassle, you could have the best looking holiday mailbox on the block!

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