Creative Holiday Ideas from Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.

HUDSON, Ohio -- Without a doubt, Christmas is truly a magical time of year. Spending time with family, friends and loved ones is one of the reasons why Christmas is so special.

A fun holiday activity that practically every family enjoys is the tradition of decorating the house - especially the Christmas tree! If you are like most families, you probably have a few boxes of favorite ornaments that you unpack and proudly display year after year. As you carefully hang every last Santa and snowman, you also make room for a couple of new ornaments that you knew would look fabulous among your old favorites.

"This year, that would be a return to old world charm with dynamic colors like sapphire, ruby red and citrine embellished with metallics. There will also be an emphasis on patterns and textures with glitter, beads and etchings; and such icons as birds, pine cones, winter foliage and berries," says Susan Atchison, trend manager for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.

Here are some quick and easy decorating ideas that will surely add a festive feel to your home:

* Spray garland with white and silver glitter and hang it on your staircase rail or fireplace mantle.

* Repetition helps to highlight your holiday theme. Use poinsettias or hydrangea in your tree, garlands, fill large glass hurricanes or accent other centerpieces, tuck around photo frames, candles etc. Use your favorite item, holly, flowers, pinecones, ornaments.

* Evoke the senses with the smell of home baking and a welcoming feel -- burn candles with scents like cinnamon, pumpkin pie.

* Decorate with beads. Wrap the lower portion of pillar candles with colorful strung beads for a glitzy look or create beautiful beaded ornaments to coordinate with holiday colors.

* Use your favorite fabric to wrap around the base of your tree instead of using a traditional tree skirt.

* Make colorful, festive, placecards for your holiday dinner with sheets of festive scrapbook paper.

* Sew or wrap pillows in holiday fabrics to scatter on the sofa and chairs for quick holiday touches.

For more ideas and trends, visit your local Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store (NYSE:JAS).