The poinsettia was discovered and named by a native of Charleston, South Carolina, so it is the most southern of decorations. Decorate with plenty of this plant to give your home a southern look.

Citrus fruits also can accent garlands or even be placed in a silver or crystal bowl to enliven a room. Lemons and oranges studded with cloves make a wonderful scented accent. Limes, pomegranates, kumquats and pineapples also can be added to centerpieces. And magnolia leaves are triply beautiful -- the glossy green is highlighted by glimpses of the leaves' bronze underside, and the greenery can last for weeks with only dusting.

Gift-Giving

Plaid patterns in red, green and even blue are popular in the South, due to the high population of Scotch and Irish descendants. For a traditionally southern gift, simply wrap in a high-gloss red paper and tie with a wide, wired silk plaid bow. The simplicity and elegance of this look bespeaks the southern way of life.

But before you wrap, you must buy -- or, if you're southern, make. Homemade pound cakes, jams and cookies are very popular gifts for friends and neighbors, and are not considered "cheap". If you have ever tasted anyone's prized relish or praline recipe, you know such gifts are indeed priceless, and the labor involved is part of the present.

Another traditional southern gift is a bottle of good wine or liquor, something in a price range a little above what the recipient would likely spend on himself. This is particularly popular with men, but be sure the person you are giving it to is neither an alcoholic nor a religious teetotaler!

If you are not southern and simply want to experience the way of life for a season, you can treat your friends and family to southern-themed gifts. There is a world of possibilities here -- how about a pair of tickets to a jazz concert, or a small selection of jazz or blues CD's? or, you can give a finely wrought iron garden decoration or a Portuguese painted porcelain flower pot with some forced bulbs in it.

French and Spanish influences are widespread in the South, so both of these are items found in many Southern homes. A beautiful hat or pair of gloves is a wonderful gift for a lady, or a fine pocket handkerchief or cravat for a man. Southern gentlemen are top-notch dressers, so a set of beautiful brass, enamel or silver buttons can be given to adorn his favorite suit jacket. Or you can stretch the imagination a little and give just about anything made of cotton!

Southern Christmases are about relaxing, spending time with family and friends, and worshipping. So don't wear yourself out on the details, or you'll miss the whole point!

This article first appeared in the 'Celebrating Christmas PDF Magazine' which is a FREE magazine that you can download and even print out.