ONE of the major pleasures of Christmas is decorating our homes according to tradition. But did you know that the way you do it at this time of year is supposed to make a big difference to whether you'll be luck in the coming year?

Most of our Christmas traditions date back to pagan times, when superstition ruled the world.

We bring greenery into our homes, for instance, to symbolise fertility and mistletoe harks back to the sun-worshipping of Druid days.

The Yule Log, too, was supposed to bring long life to a household, burning right throughout the Christmas season and the bright red of holly berries stands for blood and the life force.

That's a lot of symbolism for one festival. But if you are superstitious, and you'd like to make sure you have good luck in the coming year, take a look at our quick guide.

Beds

If you've got children, you'll not spend much time tucked up on Christmas Eve! But look out if you have to get out on the left hand side, turn your bed round that side is supposed to belong to the devil and give you a bad start to the day. That's why we say: "got out of bed on the wrong side?" when someone is grumpy.

Blinds

Tie them up securely in some parts of Europe, a blind that fails suddenly is said to signify a death in the family.

Candles

A must at the Christmas table, but they do have their risks. Blowing them out with one breath brings good luck for the year but it's bad news if your puff's not enough! Accidentally knocking out a candle means a wedding is on the way.

Cobwebs

Have you been dusting them away before the Christmas guests arrive? You'll be sorry to know that if spiders have been at work in your kitchen, it shows there's no lovemaking in your house.

Decorations

Make sure you get them down by Twelfth Night, January 6, or mischievous spirits will plague your home.

Flowers

Fresh flowers are lucky, but only if they are in season; red roses in particular symoblise life. But Feng Shui experts hate our passion for dried flowers they say they block the life force.

Ivy

If it climbs your walls, encourage it -- it is supposed to protect your family from evil spirits. But if it's looking a bit poorly, bad luck with money is on the way. Bring in fresh fronds to twine among your hearth decorations for luck.

Lights

It's said to be a bad idea to have three lights in a room; this superstition apparently comes from countries where only priests are allowed to light three candles at the altar without suffering the wrath of God. Lights on the Christmas tree symbolise Christ, the Light of the World, fairy lights just look pretty.

Towels

Make sure you've plenty in the bathroom for guests. if two people dry their hands on a towel at the same time, they will certainly quarrel later in the day (probably over who gets the last helping of Christmas pus).

Wood

We touch wood for luck because of an ancient belief in woodland spirits; touching them brought their protection. Wooden floors are said to let the life force flow through your home uninterrupted.

Washing up

A major occupation at this time of year. A north American superstition says: "Wash and wipe together, live in peace together." You can bet it was a woman with a lazy husband who thought of that one....