Music: may be the most important element and is the backdrop for our decorating. Drag out your favorite holiday songs be they Snoop Dog, Snoopy-themed, or the likes of Steve Earle, King Missile, Social D or The Pogues (from Peter Hartlaub's Holiday Music Sampler, Volume II). Play your fave holiday song lists repeatedly. Especially if you are decorating alone. By the second or third round, you will get down the words and do a holiday jig when family or friends arrive. It's nice to have traditions that rock each year!

SFist Mary Ladd contributing