The proper way to decorate a Christmas Tree

    Did you know that there was a proper way to decorate your Christmas tree? Whether you have a fake or real tree, you could follow these key steps to achieve a perfectly decorated tree.  Well, at least these are the key steps my family has always followed to get that perfect looking Christmas Tree. First, you must get a tree. For a more traditional look, you want to have a tree that has a perfect look. The tree should be symmetrical, with fullness, and the proper height for your house or apartment. Next, you will then pick a theme for your tree. You will want to determine a specific color scheme for your tree. This will allow you to pick out the proper lights and décor for the tree. This year my family is doing a rustic theme, which will include white lights and wood-like ornaments. After you pick your theme, then you could start decorating. The first thing that you will do is the lights. My father always said you had to place a string of lights inside of the tree first (near the bark) and work your way out to the edge of the tree pins. Second, you will then lay the tinsel, garland, or even ribbon on the tree. After that, you could start placing the ornaments. Keep in mind you want to spread out these ornaments to make sure you cover the whole tree evenly. Another tip my dad would tell us is to use the bigger ornaments to fill in any bare spots you might have in the tree and never to be afraid to put the ornaments deeper in the tree. Lastly, you will want to put the star or angel at the top of the tree. It doesn’t have to be a star or an angel. You could get creative with this last piece depending on your them. Finish it off with a shirt for the base of the tree, and Bam! A perfect Christmas tree.    

Proper (adjective) of the required type; suitable or appropriate.

Traditional (adjective) existing in or as part of a tradition; long-established

Symmetrical (adjective) made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis; showing symmetry.

Color scheme (noun) an arrangement or combination of colors, especially as used in interior decoration.

Rustic (adjective) relating to the countryside; rural

Ornaments (plural noun) are used to make something look more attractive but usually have no practical purpose, especially a small object such as a figurine.

Tinsel (noun) a form of decoration consisting of thin strips of shiny metal foil

Garland (noun) a wreath of flowers and leaves, worn on the head or hung as a decoration.

Bare (adjective) without the appropriate, usual, or natural covering

Vocabulary Exercise

Complete the sentences with the correct vocabulary word.

proper           traditional        symmetrical        color scheme        rustic

       ornaments             tinsel                   garland           bare

1. An artist needs the ___________ tools.

2. The _____________ festivities of the Church year.

3. Your feet are looking a little_________________. Where are your shoes?

4. The_____________ _____________for this room was determined by an interior decorator

5. The pattern was perfectly_____________.

6. The tree had more and more massive _______________.

7. The unblemished charm of __________ life has been a perennial source of inspiration for the painter

8. Let me help you hang up that sparkly _____________ and ______________.

Grammar Lesson: Transition words

Transition words are words used to show how events took place over a period of time. These words help carry a thought from one sentence to another, as well as a bridge between sentences and paragraphs in your writing. There are many different categories of transition words. I will list some examples below.

 

To Add:

and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's more. 

To Compare:

whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, up against, vis a vis, but, although, conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast

To Prove:

because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover, besides, in addition, in any case, that is

To Show Exception:

yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, once in a while, sometimes

To Show Time:

immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first (second, etc.), next, and then

To Repeat:

in brief, as I have said, as I have noted, as has been noted

To Emphasize:

definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact, indeed, in any case, absolutely, positively, always, forever, perennially, eternally, certainly, undeniably, without reservation

To Show Sequence:

first, second, third, and so forth. next, then, following this, at this time, now, at this point, after, afterward, subsequently, finally, consequently, previously, before this, therefore, hence, next, and then, soon

To Give an Example:

for example, for instance, in this case, in another case, on this occasion, in this situation, take the case of, to demonstrate, to illustrate, as an illustration, to illustrate

To Summarize or Conclude:

in brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I have said, hence, therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result, consequently

Here’s a YouTube video that so you some examples of how to use these transition words. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5HZpmJpfSI

Grammar Assignment

After you finish watching the YouTube video, I would like you to practice using these transition words. Write 5 sentences using at least 4 transition words. Don’t be afraid to get creative.