Christmas Decorating On A Budget Buy online from The Christmas Warehouse

At Christmas time most people want to mark the occasion in some way. Perhaps they have decided against a Christmas tree, but still seek to ring in the changes with some kind of homage to the season. Money may be tight, though, and it might be thought that this could severely limit what can be done to brighten the home for the holidays. This doesn’t have to be the case. Much can be accomplished with time, imagination, and a few simple items.

Paper garlands can easily be made by taking strips of colored paper and gluing them together in loops to form chains.  This is something with which even the smallest child can help. Child-friendly tools like non-toxic paste and scissors with blunt ends can be employed. This is a project that can involve the entire family.

Following closely on the heels of colored paper garlands are colored plastic strips. Carefully cut plastic wrappers and carrier bags into rectangles measuring approximately one inch wide by four inches long. Bend a wire coat hanger into a circle, and tie on the cut plastic. Snuggle the pieces closely together; when the entire wire hanger is covered, a delightful wreath will have been made. Add a festive bow to complete the project. This activity takes considerably more time than paper chains though; young minds might tire of the exercise before it is finished.

If there is a Christmas tree, it can also be included in the home-made decoration. The paper chains can be strung around it like festoons. Delightful garlands can also be made by popping corn and stringing it around the tree. Microwave corn can be used, but popping it on the stove seems to make it more of a treat. Extra corn should be popped, though. Little helpers and big ones are going to enjoy eating the corn as well as stringing it! The nice thing about stringing popcorn to be hung on the tree is that after the holidays are over and the tree is dismantled, it can be put out in the garden or yard to help the hungry birds find food during a time when it may be a bit scarce for them.

Salt dough is another item that is inexpensive and fun to make. Mix a cup of flour with half a coup of salt, and slowly add half a cup of water. The dough needs to be on the dry side, so if it is too sticky, simply keep adding flour, a pinch at a time, until the right consistency is reached. Knead the dough until it is smooth, then roll it out and cut with seasonal cookie cutters or simply hand-build it into the desired shapes. Once the dough has been shaped, dry it near a fire or radiator, or put it in an oven on low heat for three to four hours. For those who are impatient to paint the dough, it can be dried in approximately three minutes using a microwave on the high setting. Once painted, spray with a bit of sealant or coat them with an acrylic covering.

Decorations are not the only items that can be made on a shoestring during the holiday season. The colorful and glossy advertising inserts in magazines, newspapers, and other periodicals can be used for very thrifty and eye catching gift wrap. Most of these have ads for decorations, toys, and baubles; that tends to be the theme of most seasonal gift wrapping paper, too. Add a twisted yarn tie in a complimentary hue to add visual appeal.

Gift wrapping paper can be made as a family activity. Start with a roll of wallpaper lining paper, or failing that, some of the large brown paper bags from the grocery store.  Cut a sponge or a potato into shapes, and use it as a stamp. Dip lightly into some paints, and stamp patterns on the paper. When it is dry, it can be used to wrap all manner of items. If the budget allows, make patterns in glue and lightly dust with glitter. Children are especially fond of this activity!

Initially, Christmas may seem to cost a lot, but it does not need so to do. The activities above are things in which the whole family can participate. Not only do they help to deck the halls, but they can also make lasting family memories for years to come.