As we decorate for the holidays, it can help to keep a few basic Feng Shui principles in mind. For instance, did you know that, if you have a Santa Claus figure, it will actually generate good luck if you put it in this area of your home? And putting up a tree is always fun–but wait! That star for the top is awfully pointy. Unless you place it in this area of your home, those pointy tips may need a quick fix.

Try some of these traditional tips from the ancient Chinese system of Feng Shui, and have a safe, lucky, and merry holiday! Read the tips here:

First off, since you have been a good girl or boy this year, you will probably be receiving lots of presents from Santa or your loved ones. So the most important Feng Shui wisdom as you prepare your home for the holidays is to clean out the clutter to make room for the influx of gifts! Nothing bollixes up the energy of a home like clutter, so the more you can do now to minimize it and clear things out, the better.

To identify each area of your home, go to Map Your Home with Feng Shui.

Now, if you look at the areas of your home or your main living area elementally, the placement of traditional seasonal decorations for the maximum good-luck effect makes sense. For instance:

Earth/Health: An arrangement of fresh fruit in a basket or terra cotta bowl.

Water/Career: A snow globe with an appealing scene inside.

Fire/Fame and Reputation: Candles, lights, a menorah, stars, flame-colored poinsettias, bright-berried holly.

Metal/Creativity and Children: Toys, games, ornaments or decorations made of metal.

Wood/Family: Your Christmas tree or Hanukkah bush, a Nativity scene or creche.

Helpful People: Santa or St. Nicholas figures, angels, the gifts you plan to give others.

Prosperity: This is the perfect place to pile the presents you receive! Other ideas include an evergreen wreath with a dollar bill tucked inside, or a bundle of cinnamon sticks.

Relationship: Two turtledoves, mistletoe.

Knowledge, Wisdom, Skills: The Wise Men, skates, tools.

And here is the quick fix for pointy stars in any area other than the Fame one, where they are safest to display: just put the stars inside a circle (like a halo). According to Aisling Dart, that will keep the sharp points from bringing bad luck.

The good news here is that we don’t need to be slavish about following Feng Shui precepts when we decorate: If something works, great, but we don’t need to feel like we’re bound by chains of Shoulds. Just relax, be merry and safe, and have a happy holiday!