Christmas tree -- check. Boxed ornaments – check. Garland and tinsel – check. Wreath – check. Plastic lawn Santa complete with Rudolph – check (pause) and check.

Okay… so, you get the idea. Many Christmases have been spent with the same decorations, the same Christmas trees and every other type of ornament and ribbon associated with dressing-up the home for the holiday.

But -- lets pause the video camera for a moment, take a look around and really think for a few moments.

Why not design your own holiday?

Instead of all of the store-bought ornaments, tinsel and so on, why not take a design day trip to Michaels Arts & Crafts,  The Home Depot and The Pottery Stop and Coffee Shop? These stores are the basis of creativity and building.

First stop – Michaels. Mix the traditional store distributed ornaments with some ornaments created by you. The store has a variety of plain glass ornaments, wooden pieces, stands, ribbon (thin, thick), paints and more so that you can style to your desire.

Wait a minute. Don't leave Michaels yet because you still have to get a few more accessories like brushes, glue and glitter to complete the glass and wooden ornaments. And, don't forget to pick-up some multi-colored paper (textured and smooth) and a few small gift bags before checking out.

The paper can be used to create one word inspiration ornaments to be placed not only on the holiday tree, but around the house as a reminder of the true meaning of the season. Also, the small gift bags can now be the new Christmas stockings. These are totally customizable as well and your friends and family can have a holiday bag take away.

Michaels Arts & Crafts checkout complete.

The second stop is optional. If you need a few small tools, screws or hooks, then Home Depot is your spot. The incidentals will cost a few dollars or so. And, if needed, you can pick-up some lights.

Well, the afternoon is waning. So, you must move along. The parking lots are crowded and people are rushing and hurrying. Don't forget, this is supposed to be a creative afternoon – filled with fun and relaxation.

Next stop – The Pottery Stop and Coffee Shop. And, you ask – why The Pottery Stop? Well, this "FANTABULOUS" little gem is the place to go to make any pottery goods your heart desires to fire -- from plates to charms. The ornament division is under control, but you're having guest over in a few days. Make a serving plate that can be used not just for the holiday but the entire year. A bright raspberry red and brilliant orange would be the ultimate color scheme. These colors scream festive!

And to those who love a nice latte or a cup of herbal tea for the road, The Coffee Shop has a coffee beverage menu that rivals Starbucks. So take a break and plot your next move. SHHHH… creative relaxing!

You've checked your list and had a great idea! You're going to dress-up your Ficus tree for the holiday – complete with lights and new school trimmings. Wow, it must've been that hot drink that gave you a boost of energy because this is cool, creative and brilliant!

Wrap some ribbon around the trunk, throw a skirt (JoAnn Fabric and Craft) around the pot and hang your ornaments on the branches and your holiday tree is ready,

I think you get the picture. The holiday isn't just about shopping and spending tons of money. It's about creating memories and new traditions. Living in the moment!

What could be more fun and lasting than creating paper inspiration ornaments (dream, imagine, peace, love) with some of your own sayings and hanging them on the Ficus and dropping them in the Christmas stocking take away bag?

So each year, design your own holiday and add a new decoration. You can make it or scour the area boutiques and antique shops for that one thing that's been waiting for you. You'll know when you see it because you'll feel it.

Use inspiration from things that you've experienced throughout the year and things that were instrumental in bringing forth the best and the positive.

Did you un-pause the camera? I'm sure your friends would like to take some tips from the design day trip too!

Seize creative control!

Here's the list:

Michaels Arts & Crafts, 4360 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043, 410-480-8140

The Home Depot, 9190 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042, 410-750-2199

The Pottery Stop and Coffee Shop, 9050 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042, 410-480-0111

JoAnn Fabric and Craft, 6161 Columbia Crossing Drive, Columbia, MD 21045, 410-872-0550

And, just in case you don't have the Ficus tree:

Williamson's Nursery, 895 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043, 410-465-5125