"It's the most wonderful time of the year!" It is also decorating season. I have fond memories of my mother covering our entire house for Christmas. We would spend an entire day getting out all of the decorations and not an inch of the house would go untouched. I definitely plan to carry on that tradition with my future family.
My mother had so many decorations that it never occurred to me the expense she put into fulfilling my childhood with all of those chachkies. It can be very easy to become overwhelmed with the assortment of pricey decorations out there to buy. Today I want to share alternatives ways to decorate during the holiday season on a budget.
1. Dollar Tree, Dollar Tree!
I frequent the Dollar Tree often for many household objects. They also carry holiday season themed decorations. You can find a lot of $1 options that are very similar to regular higher priced stores. Make sure you go at the beginning of that particular holiday season to score the best options as the selections can thin out as time goes by.
2. Goodwill or other thrift stores
Similar to the Dollar Tree you can find low priced decorative items at a Goodwill or similar type of thrift store. My mother bought majority of the Christmas decorations from our local Goodwill yearly. There is usually an endless amount of decorations that people donate. Remember, one persons "trash" is another persons treasure!
3. Borrow and/or Donate
Phone a friend! I am sure you have a family member or friend who is in the process of de-cluttering their home. Usually the first items to go are old un-used or un-wanted holiday decorations. Check with them to see if they would offload their un-wanted items. Same goes for others in need, donate your stuff to those in need.
4. Craft Stores
My local Michael's and hopefully yours too currently has up to 60% off their holiday decoration. Some craft stores offer price reductions closer to holiday season. Stop by yours today to see what they offer!
5. Post Holiday Shopping
If you are eyeing a certain holiday decoration wait till after the holiday season. Almost every store cuts the prices of their holiday decorations immensely. So look into shopping after the season to use the items for following years in the future. In addition it is always good time to buy those overly-expense fake trees.
6. Make your own
Channel your inner kindergarten decorative art skills and get to crafting! This could be a fun project with your family to make your decorations. Go outside and gather some pinecones or other nature material to use. Look around your home to make wreaths. Use old candles. Gather old un-worn clothes to make ribbons for the home. Just get creative and make it fun!
7. Don't succumb to the pressure
I did love spending the time with my mom decorating, but was it absolutely necessary? No. It makes great memories, but is going over your budget worth it for one day? No. Put more of your energy into the actual quality bonding time during the holidays. Do I remember the actual items my mom put up during the holidays? No. I do remember the memories we shared during that time which is always the most important!
Hopefully these ideas helped you think of some good ways to stay on budget while decorating for the holidays. May your holidays be filled with joy and peace!
Stay tuned for the next post. This is Day 1 of 12 for my Blogmas!
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