It’s the most wonderful time of year! As December’s jolly magic fills the air, many want their families and friends to have the best holiday season. However, with inflation and other economic discrepancies, don’t let decorating feel like it should break the bank by keeping up with all the latest trends. Here are some DIY budget-friendly holiday decorations you should try this season.
Homemade holiday cheer. Yuletide wreaths are always a festive touch on any door or window. Willow, birch, grapevine, and wicker are popular wreath bases to work with. If forging from your yard, bring branches inside for a day or two to let it dry out and warm up so it will be easier to bend. Next, forge some pinecones and branches of cedar, juniper or pine. Cedar is associated with the North and possesses a deep, ancient, protective energy. Juniper brings balance and creates a space of safety and comfort. Pine cleanses and purifies the air and is associated with the winter solstice, bringing wellness, endurance and a sense of direction. If assessable, add some holly berries or mistletoe. For some additional scents, slice up some oranges or apples, dry them out in the oven, and add to the wreath. Oranges bring forth happiness and the promise of the sun after the longest night. Cinnamon sticks also invite positivity and coziness. Finally, adorn your wreath with some ribbon. The dollar tree is the best place for ribbons, boxes, bows and wrapping paper.
Why stop at wreaths when you can make so much more from just outside your backyard? Be sustainable and organic with the plethora of pinecones that have fallen from the Fall to make incredible decorations and gifts. If you have kids home from school, have them go out and grab a basket full of pinecones and get crafty. You can create pinecone reindeer, mini-Christmas trees, ornaments, and even form them into a snowflake or star to hang outside. Make snow-covered pinecones with salt, Epsom salt, glitter, glue or paint. Make an elegant pinecone centerpiece for your table with candles and branches.
If you live in the country’s southeastern part, you might be close to some bald cypress trees. Cypress trees form knees—a distinctive structure formed above the roots. Most are found in the swamps, but bald cypress trees can be as far north as Delaware. Cypress’s knees make great Santa Clauses. So, if you are lucky enough to be close to a few knees, grab a few and paint some Santas for a unique festive craft.
Sparkle and shine. Is it even the holidays without glitter? Access to outdoor materials is sometimes hard, especially living in an apartment. Release your inner child and craft some snowflakes from printer paper. Add some glitter and string around from the ceiling or the windows. Create snow globe centerpieces with dollar store wine glasses flipped upside down with fake snow, glitter and mini trees. Paint mason jars like candy canes and add LED mini tea lights. Check out Pinterest for more creative, budget-friendly crafts you can create from mason jars and wine bottles.
Finally, if a Christmas tree is out of budget, create one on the wall with tinsel garland, a string of lights, and some mini ornaments. Tree wall décor is a popular trend, especially for those in tight spaces. Walmart and other stores already have premade tree wall decorations, saving time for those with busy schedules this time of year.
We hope this gives those seeking economical yet charming décor the feeling of joy crafting on a budget this season.
