From throwing holiday parties to buying presents for friends and family, Christmas can be an expensive time of year. For many people, this means that spending money on the very best Christmas tree, lights, and other decorations can take a backseat. When one has children or plans on entertaining, however, it is still important to create a fun and festive atmosphere within one’s living space. Luckily, decorating for the holiday season does not have to mean spending a lot of money. With just a little bit of creativity, anyone can beautifully decorate their home or apartment for Christmas on a budget.
1. Shop the after-Christmas sales
For those that are proactive enough to think one year ahead, the weeks directly after Christmas are the best time to stock up on holiday decorations. Stores typically mark down Christmas decorations by 50 to 75 percent the day after Christmas. Then, as the days go by, it is not uncommon to find these prices sinking even lower. This makes it easy to find high-quality Christmas tree ornaments, wreaths, and more for a bargain. After getting home, simply pack it all away in storage. When one is ready to decorate the following year, one can finally decorate with all of the beautiful items they found.
2. Recycle Christmas cards
For those that receive dozens of Christmas cards from their friends and family each year, do not throw them out as soon as Christmas is over. Instead, use these cards to create handmade Christmas decorations. For example, one can create practically free Christmas ornaments by just cutting out the design on the front of the card, punching a hole at the top, and tying a ribbon through the hole. One could also create a unique Christmas garland by stringing several of these Christmas card cut-outs onto a long piece of ribbon. One can use this garland as a Christmas tree decoration, hang it above a window, or frame a door with it.
3. Decorate the Christmas table with plants and candles
Another way to avoid the post-November markup is to find festive non-Christmas decorations. For example, Christmas candles are often little more than a red or green candle with a witty Christmas-inspired name. One can easily buy red and green candles throughout the year on sale, so try picking up some non-Christmas red and green candles instead. One can then beautifully decorate their table by setting out some festive candles and surrounding them with lots of plant life such as evergreen branches, pinecones, berries, and even small potted plants like moss and succulents.
4. Make a Christmas wreath
There is no doubting that Christmas wreaths are expensive. This is especially true for fresh wreaths that one buys from the local florist. Luckily, making a fresh evergreen wreath at home is actually quite simple. Best of all, it is practically free. All one needs is a pair of gardening shears. Then, head outside and find some greenery that one can trim without damaging the whole plant. Twist all of the greenery into a circle, and secure it with string. One can add some store-bought decorations, such as small ornaments and garland, tying them on with string, to add some festive touches. Once satisfied with how it looks, simply hang it up on the front door or over the mantle.
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