Welcome!
This is Day 5 of the 21 Days to a Stress Free & Debt Free Christmas.
I’m so excited that you are joining me for what I hope will be a really helpful series designed to walk with you step by step through the Christmas season in a way that ensures you keep your sanity and that you don’t overspend.
Today it’s time to move on to decorating for Christmas. The options are endless when it comes to what you can do or spend on decorations, but we’ll be talking about frugal decorating tips so you can save money while still enjoying a festive atmosphere in your home.
1. Keep it simple
I am becoming more and more of a minimalist the older that I get. I’m constantly fighting against clutter already, so I don’t add tons of extra decorations to my home. I think a few simple, classic decorations really can go a long way when it comes to creating a festive atmosphere.
In our home, the decorations are usually minimal – Christmas tree, candles in the window, wreath on the front door, garland on the stairway banister, and that’s it!! If we have the time and energy, we may put up a few strands of white lights on our shrubs.
If you love going all out with decorations and your budget allows for it, then go for it! But, please, don’t feel like your home needs to look like the homes featured on the magazine covers. A little but goes a long way in my opinion.
Easy and Inexpensive Christmas Décor Ideas by EmbracingSimpleBlog
2. Start slowly
It can take years to accumulate Christmas décor. I look at all the ornaments on my mother’s tree and wonder how on earth she got all of them. Then, I’m reminded that she’s in her sixties and half of them were ones that we made as kids – ha! Not only that, but the gorgeous tree she has now was not purchased until we were older and her budget had loosened up a bit.
Unless your Christmas budget is huge, then you will likely have to build up your décor over time. To me, part of the fun of pulling out the decorations is thinking back to when and where you purchased the different items and the memories attached to them. If you use what you have and aim to add one new item each year, then you will have quite a lot in a few years.
3. Make your own
I am absolutely not a crafty person by nature. I enjoy dabbling a bit here or there, but I am not creative on my own. Pinterest has been a HUGE lifesaver for me and there are a ton of great tutorials out there if you are interested in figuring out how to make our own decorations.
I saw THIS great post about how to make your own bow and I love THIS post that mentions using free items such as pine cones or old ornaments and Christmas cards in your décor.
How to Make a Bow – A Step by Step Tutorial by Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
4. Shop at dollar stores
Dollar stores are a great place to find items to use in your holiday decorations. There are so many great Christmas items that it would justify an entire post, but rest assured, you need to check out your Dollar Tree for your décor.
21 Dollar Store Christmas Decorations that Look Expensive
5. Use coupons at craft stores
Craft stores are an obvious choice to pick up some items to use in your décor. Paired with a coupon or sale, you can find some great items without breaking your budget. Michaels and Hobby Lobby always have a coupon in the newspaper or on their website.
7 Secrets You Need to Know Before Shopping at Michaels
6. Buy ahead for next year
With most things, buying ahead is a great way to save money. We purchased our tree for a great price when it was clearanced out after Christmas. If you are willing to reserve a little money from your budget for next year, then you will absolutely save money for some wonderful decorations. It might take a little discipline and forethought, but is well worth it in my opinion, especially for some of the higher ticket items.
If you are interested in more ways to save money on Christmas décor, make sure you are following my Christmas Pinterest Board. I’m constantly pinning cute and affordable ideas that I see floating around the internet.
RELATED POSTS:
Decorating for Christmas in One Day by The Humbled Homemaker
How to Put Lights on a Christmas Tree by Two Twenty One
