Real Estate Matters
Bright lights, candles in windows, wreaths and lawn ornaments are the typical components of an exterior holiday decor formula. While the traditionally decorated home is warm and welcoming, you can achieve the same effect while putting a unique spin on your decor. The list below offers a few creative theme ideas for you to consider based on favorite holiday movies.
Ready, set, action!
If your household has a favorite holiday film, you can take inspiration from elements of the movie and bring them to life right in the front yard of your own home. People driving by will delight in the nostalgia and humor of your home’s decor.
The films below are full of simple elements you can replicate.
‘A Christmas Story’
The real “A Christmas Story” house – a 19th century Victorian located in Cleveland, Ohio – is now restored to its movie splendor. It’s open all year round to the public for tours and overnight stays for good reason; people love it. Take your home through a Ralphie time machine with these whimsical touches.
Purchase a replica of the movie’s iconic leg lamp to place in your front window. Place a large box with the word FRAGILE on your front porch and make your own 1940s-inspired wreath with vintage ornaments and bows.
Replicating Ralphie with his tongue stuck to a flagpole, wearing his pink bunny pajamas and so many more humorous scenes from this movie classic will make for a fun family favorite.
‘Home Alone’
The actual red-brick, Georgian-style “Home Alone” house featured in the 1990 movie – a real home located in the affluent, tree-lined Chicago suburb of Winnetka – has dozens of visitors who gaze upon it daily.
To recreate that setting at your own home, try copying Kevin’s genius contraptions he made to deter the “Wet Bandits.” One way is to create a mock Little Nero’s Pizza box and place it on your porch with the label facing out, or decorate your house like the home in the movie for a beautiful and fun family experience.
‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas’
While there is not an actual Whoville home for the Grinch, you can visit Universal Studios Orlando and celebrate “Grinchmas 2025,” a holiday-themed extravaganza based on the original 1957 Dr. Seuss book, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas;” the 1966 holiday classic Grinch TV cartoon, and the 2000 live action movie starring Jim Carrey.
At your home you can take a clue from the Grinch and steal the show by creating a Whoville-inspired scene. Make a sign that says, “Welcome to Whoville” to hang on your front door. Buy a Grinch cutout or inflatable, and connect it to a string of lights on your home so it looks like he is pulling them down. Hang oversized, striped stockings from your porch railing or below your windows. Play the theme songs and even invite Cindy Lou Who and the children to sing along and have fun.
The holiday theme that you choose to create and to decorate your home with will surely make everlasting, joyous memories to share with family, friends and neighbors for many years to come.
This holiday season, please remember those in need. Your generosity in helping others makes a difference in our own Shore Local community.
Photo credit: House From A Christmas Story Facebook
For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan “The Real Estate Godmother” (609)703-0432 and Remember…”There’s No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!”
