~ Decorating The Home ~ Victorians believed in decorating every available inch of their homes for Christmas. On front doors you would usually find a festive pinecone or spruce wreath, decorated with a pretty plaid bow. In the windows, you would often see candles lit and softly glowing. It was a very welcoming sight to come home to. Inside the home, you would be greeted by the scent of balsam and of scented candles and by the sight of colorful Christmas decorations everywhere! There were pots of red pointsettias, bowls of pomegranates, crocheted Christmas doilies, garlands of fragrant spruce and pine draped along mantles and around doorways, a tall, over-decorated Christmas tree, stockings hanging by the fireplace, colorful Christmas cards, fancy red bows and of course, mistletoe. On the Christmas tree, there were strings of cranberry and popcorn garland, candles, ornate glass ornaments, elegant plaid ribbons and bows, candy canes, cinnamon sticks, homemade decorations, gingerbread cookies and a lovely glistening star or angel sitting on the highest branch. Christmas Tree Decorations That You Can Make Edible Spiced Christmas Ornaments 3/4 cup ground cinnamon 1 tablespoons ground allspice 1 tablespoons nutmeg 2 tablespoons ground cloves 1 cup applesauce Mix dry ingredients together. Add applesauce and mix well. Roll on waxed paper to 1/2 inch thickness and sprinkle with cinnamon to keep from sticking . Cut into Christmas shapes. Let decorations air dry for four to five days, turing once a day. Ornaments can be painted or decorated when dry. Store in a plastic bag each year. When the scent evaporates, add a drop or two of cinnamon oil on the back. These ornaments are wonderful tree decorations or gifts. May you enjoy the warmth and glow of a Victorian-style Christmas!