Thanks to Christmas trees and decorations, the celebration has become so much fun. However, with the cost of fresh cut trees and sparkling ornaments rising every year, creating that magical holiday atmosphere may seem like an impossible task. But rest assured you can achieve this without going above your budget.
From hunting for the best tree to decking out your mantel with ornaments, there are many ways to save. This isn’t cutting corners but making smart choices so that your home feels as warm and welcoming as a cup of cocoa. To brighten up your holiday season, let’s look at some budget friendly ways to do so.
Shop Secondhand
Thrift stores and secondhand shops really are gold mines for holiday decorations. During the holiday season, you will often see gently used ornaments, garlands, and artificial trees for a fraction of the price of buying new. Shoppers can save more buying pre loved items. Also, shopping secondhand is good for the environment as it reduces carbon footprint.
Go for a Smaller Tree
While a grand tree might be stunning, smaller ones are charming and much cheaper. If you’re buying a real tree, buy one that is a few feet shorter than you think you need, you’ll save money and have enough room for your lights and ornaments. If you’re decorating with kids or have a compact space, smaller trees will come in handy.
Buy Artificial Trees
A good quality artificial tree will save you hundreds of dollars over the years. Although the initial cost might seem steep, it will benefit you in the long run. In addition, households using artificial trees say it’s a cost efficient choice. Bonus: You won’t have to vacuum needles every day!
DIY Your Decorations
Nothing is more personal than handmade decorations, and they are also cheaper too. Have a crafting night with the family and get the kids to make ornaments from stuff you have at home like paper, fabric scraps, or old holiday cards. Making memories while saving money is a great way to do it. Besides, each time you see those homemade decorations, you’ll remember the good time you had making them.
Wait for Post-Holiday Sales
Buying after Christmas is one of the best ways to stock up on decorations without overspending. To get rid of an entire year’s worth of inventory, stores drop prices on everything, from lights to ornaments. By planning ahead, you’ll be able to have a stash of discounted decorations for the next holiday season.
Reuse What You Already Have
Take inventory of what’s already tucked away in your attic or garage before you shop for new decorations. You might come across some forgotten treasure you could repurpose or refresh. Mix and match old decorations to create a new look. Old things can feel new with some ribbons or a fresh coat of spray paint.
Use Natural Elements
Some of the best holiday decorations come from nature and don’t cost a thing! You can make rustic centerpieces or garlands from your backyard or local park pinecones, branches, and hollyberries. Meanwhile, cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices give your arrangements a nice, cozy touch. They’ll give your home a festive scent without adding to your expenses.
Stick to One Color Scheme
Rather than purchasing many decorations, opt for a simple color scheme. Without a ton of extras, maintaining focus on just one or two colors can make your holiday decor look cohesive and elegant. Fewer colors also mean you will be less inclined to purchase more items to blend with your decor, saving you time and money.
Borrow from Friends or Family
If you are hosting Christmas this year, ask friends or family if they have decorations or supplies you can borrow. There are many people who have extra strings of lights, ornaments, or table settings that don’t get used. This practice is a great way to add variety, fun and color to your decor without spending a dime. And who knows? You might start a new holiday tradition of trading decorations with loved ones each year.
Use Coupons and Cashback Apps
Sales during the holidays are a big deal, but when you stack those sales with coupons or cash back apps, it can be even better. To make money on online shopping, check apps like Rakuten and Honey to get cash back or discounts. Another great place to get coupons for all things ornaments and tree toppers is RetailMeNot. Every savings counts here and there, with more money for other holiday treats.
Opt for LED Lights
Although LED lights may be a little more expensive to purchase when compared to traditional incandescent lights, they use less electricity and last longer. The U.S. Department of Energy says LED holiday lights can use up to 90 percent less energy than old fashioned lights. When you switch to LEDs, it’s not just lowering your energy bill, it’s also spending money on lights that will last for a few more seasons.
Keep It Minimal
Less is sometimes more. It’s better to have a couple of standout items rather than decorating every inch of your home. Without overwhelming your space (or your budget), a beautifully decorated tree, a festive wreath on your door, and a simple centerpiece can make a big impact. What’s more, you can have minimal decor that also feels intentional and peaceful, allowing the holiday spirit to shine through without all the clutter.
Use Wrapping Paper as Decor
Do you know wrapping paper can also be used as decor?! It can be cut into frame pretty patterns, or used as a table runner for an easy, cost-efficient upgrade. Moreover, you can also cut out shapes like snowflakes or stars to hang as ornaments or to string into garlands. This is a cheap way to get creative and decorate your home for the holidays.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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