So, what happens when you move and find out that you don’t have a Christmas tree or any ornaments? When you are as thrifty as I am the first thing you DON’T do is run out and buy all new things. This year we put our tree together for $5.00.
Follow these tips for a thrifty holiday:
1. Ask, beg or borrow –
It seems that everyone has accumulated a lot of stuff and they are looking for ways to get rid of it! That is how we got our Christmas tree and saved it from the landfill. Yes, it is true that not ALL the lights work on the pre-lit tree but that is an easy enough fix! And it was free. Ask around whether it be for a Christmas tree or tool or any other item that you are need of… You will be surprised what people are looking to get out of their garages.
2. Visit the thrift store –
If you have to buy it, buy it used. I bought tons of ornaments at the local thrift store including boxes of glass balls for less than a dollar a piece. Thrift stores are a great place to source all sorts of items – small appliances, furniture, clothing – even Christmas decorations.
3. Look around the house –
Even though I got the tree and the ornaments for a steal – the tree was still missing something… So, I started looking around the house… We had a ton of dark blue corn that we were drying for popcorn – so I grabbed about 10 ears and fanned out the husks and voila’ instant tree filler…. Another good filler would be baby’s breath or ribbon. I also didn’t have a tree skirt so I grabbed a piece of burlap that was lying around in my craft room and used that (you could use a blanket or another piece of fabric).
4. Go Outside –
We took a walk to get the pinecones that we used for decorations. We added some essential oils from The Herbal Homestead to the pinecones to make the tree smell good. Bring the outdoors in and add branches and other natural treasures to enhance your Christmas decor.
5. Shop clearance sales for the next year –
The time to buy holiday decorations is NOT when they are on sale for full price. It is when they are clearance for 90% off. Think about that when you do your after holiday shopping – just make sure you buy stuff you are actually going to use!
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