Christmas decorations. They range from the traditional to the tawdry, the kitsch to the creative, and the religious to the really, really awful. They're everywhere at this time of year. Wreaths, angels, reindeer, santas in all sizes, lights, garlands, tinsel, trees, baubles and beads seem to adorn every shop window and shopping centre, hang on every housefront and even cling to cars.
Image from Mrs Claus and Santa website.
[ADVERT]I have a lifelong love affair with Christmas decorations and every year our house is very carefully and, I might say, artfully decorated. A few weeks before Christmas the whole family gathers to install and decorate our tree. This is an important festive occasion, complete with Santa hats, champagne and the first playing of Christmas carols.
When it comes to the decoration though, I'm ashamed to admit that I'm known as the Christmas Police, because of my insistence that decorations should firstly be beautiful and tasteful (no purple upside-down Christmas trees for me) and secondly, arranged artistically (I'm sorry dear, but that really needs to be moved an inch to the left).
Image from Christmas Alight website
In the past I have been known to rearrange the tinsel and baubles so lovingly hung by the children on the tree, after they have gone to bed. So you can believe me when I tell you that
I know Christmas decorations and I'm always on the lookout for something new and interesting (and tasteful) to add to my collection.
So, where's the best place to buy good Christmas decorations in Brisbane? I know the current fashion is to buy everything online but I don't think you can ever get a clear idea of the quality of Christmas decorations without actually seeing and feeling them. What may look like a lovely, red-nosed Rudolph online can actually turn out to be an ugly white elephant.
Below is a list of some Brisbane Christmas stores. Some of them sell online but do yourself a favour and check out the real thing in person.
We'd also like to know where you shop. Please leave a comment with your hot tips for purveyors of colourful, creative and classy Christmas decorations.
mage from Oxfam website
You can shop online here. 2018 store opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm and Sunday from 11am to 3pm .
• Oxfam Shops: 2 locations - Shop 230, Level 2 The Myer Centre, or Shop 2047, Upper Level, Garden City Shopping Centre.
You'll find quality, unique, handmade pieces at Oxfam shops. Check out their 2018 Christmas range of decorations and gifts online here.
• Mrs Claus and Santa
130 Brisbane Street Ipswich
This Ipswich store stocks all things Christmassy from stockings and Santas to baubles and brilliant lighting. Shop online here or visit the store.
Image from The Christmas Shack website
• Christmas Festivities: 3/31 Veronica Street, Capalaba.
This one sells beautiful Christmas trees as well as decorations. Shop online here or 2018 opening hours are Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 10.30am-4.00pm
• Christmas Decorations Brisbane: 306 Vulture Street, Woolloongabba.
This is the sister shop to Brisbane's popular The Prop House and VM and here you can buy foliage, baubles, Christmas trees and more.
You can shop by colour or theme online here or pop into their Woolloongabba showroom.
• The Christmas Shack: 3 Brisbane locations -
- Slacks Creek Superstore: 3323 Pacific Highway, Slacks Creek,
- Virginia Superstore: 2053 Sandgate Rd, Virginia
- Capalaba Boutique Store: Shop 1, 3239 Old Cleveland Road, Capalaba
You can shop their extensive range of lights, trees, wreaths and garlands online here but for an authentic Christmas shopping experience the 2018 trading hours for all Brisbane stores are 9am to 5pm seven days a week.
Christmas soldiers and toys. That's me out in front dressed in blue - the one with the gun.
If you do go to any of these shops, just don't tell them the Christmas Police sent you. I trust you will keep my secret. My children survived the emotional trauma of learning that there's no Santa Claus. Finding out about my Christmas tree redecoration habits might just push them over the edge.
