How to Decorate a "Night Before Christmas" Mantel

Kids of all ages can recite parts of "The Night Before Christmas," which provides us with a lovable image of Santa Claus. Following are some ways to dress the mantel in keeping with Clement C. Moore's memorable rhyme.

Things You'll Need

• Ribbons
• The Night Before Christmas Book
• 8 Reindeer
• Christmas Stockings
• Santas
• Fabric Gift Bags
• Fabrics
• Garlands
• Tiny Boxes
• Candies
• Mouse Cat Toys
• Sleighs
• Miniature Toys
• Mouse Plush Toys

Instructions

1. Protect the mantel with a sheet of plastic to avoid scratches or other damage.

2. Trim the edge of the mantel with greenery or garland. Add bits of gumdrop candy and candy canes to the garland for those "visions of sugarplums."

3. Hang your stockings by the chimney with care.

4. Purchase eight reindeer, a Santa doll or figure, and a sleigh. If you're buying them separately, make sure the items are scaled appropriately.

5. Set a bag (you can easily sew one from a rectangle of fabric) filled with miniature toys or tiny wrapped presents in the back of the sleigh.

6. Name the reindeer by cutting small "dog tags" out of paper and labeling them Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blitzen. Attach the tags to the reindeer necks with a slender ribbon tied in a bow on the back of the neck.

7. Arrange your vignette with four pair of reindeer out in front of the sleigh. Santa should be in the sleigh or standing beside it.

8. Put reins on the deer if they came without them; string ribbon reins from collar to collar and have the leads at the sleigh for Santa.

9. Situate a mouse, either a plush toy or a cat toy, partly hidden near the vignette to depict "Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse."

10. Place a beautifully illustrated version of Moore's book at one side of the mantel.

Tips & Warnings

• Even though Rudolph is a Johnny-come-lately reindeer, kids in the household may enjoy it if he's in the lead with a red nose.