Cheap Christmas Decorations 

These days you can pretty much purchase any type of holiday decoration imaginable.  From motorized displays to inflatable lawn ornaments, the possibilities are endless and too expensive as well.

There was a time when cheap Christmas decorations were more the normality then the exception.  Not only will creating your own Christmas decorations save money, but it is a fun family activity that builds and creates lasting memories.

Because we are all about cutting back, saving money, and conserving, we’re not going to spend a lot of time on purchasing Christmas decorations since there are numerous wonderful alternative cheap Christmas decorations that can be made. 

Keeping to our budgeting ways, here are some ideas for cheap Christmas decorations that look anything but cheap.

Make Your Own Christmas Decorations

A simple nice idea is to let the kids decorate the house for the holidays.  Kids will love participating, and what says Christmas better then the craftsmanship of children?  Of course, these ideas are not only limited to children, because even us adults like to participate!  Include the entire family, reduce stress and create laughs and the result is a warm family atmosphere for the holidays.

Popcorn String Garland:

Commonly used around the Christmas tree, this cheap Christmas decoration can be used throughout the house.

What you will need: Popcorn, Sewing thread, sewing needle (plastic kind for safety)

• Pop a batch of your favorite popcorn and allow it to cool down completely.  For cleanliness, I recommend the salt free and butter free popcorn.
• Thread the sewing needle with the thread.
• Being careful not to poke your fingers, string the needle and thread through the popcorn, one at a time.
• When you have created your desired garland length, cut the thread from the needle and create a thick know to prevent the popcorn from falling off.  A good idea is to wrap the thread around your finger loosely several times.  Then simply roll the thread off your finger and pull tight.  Quick and easy big know.
• Repeat the knot at the other end and your popcorn garland is ready to hang up!

Decorating with Pine Cones

What you will need: Pine cones, string, ornament hooks (optional), glue and glitter

What says winter holidays better then some well placed pinecones in a decorative bowl or on top of the wall mantel?

To spice up the pine cone for a cheap Christmas decoration, apply some craft glue, such as Elmer’s, and roll in your favorite glitter color.  Blue, Red, Gold, Green and Silver are all excellent choices that will add a nice light reflecting effect.  As a bonus, tie a string in a loop onto the end of the pine cone; add an optional ornament hook and you have a great inexpensive tree ornament.  Not only does this look great, but adds a great fragrance to the house for the holidays. 

Home Made Snowflakes

What you will need: White or colored construction paper (from any craft or retail store), scissors, glue and glitter

• To make this simple cheap Christmas decoration, start with a piece of construction paper.  Fold it in half, then in half again. 
• Fold it in half as many times as desired, but make sure you are able to cut it. 
• After folded, three to four times is good, cut out small shapes from the folded seems
• Cut some angles and curves on the outer edges
• Unfold the paper and you have created your snowflake!
• Add some light amount of glue, and sprinkle with glitter for the sparkle effect
• Use different sizes of paper (or cut the paper into various sizes before beginning) to create different sized snowflake

Table Centerpieces

Simple, and inexpensive, these Christmas centerpieces will spice up any table for the holidays

What you will need:  Candles, Tree garland, plate

• Arrange a candle or a group of 3 – 4 candles in the middle of a small plate.  1-2 Inch candles work best, but thin candles can also be used if anchored to the plate.  You can use craft foam, clay, or tin foil to keep thin candles upright.
• With the candles set, wrap the circumference of the plate with green, silver or a combination of garland colors.  Wrap from the outside around the plate / candles, about three times.  The third time around should be closer to the candles then the first. 
• Decorate with holly berries, pine cones, bows, lace, or ribbons to complete your centerpiece

Cheap Christmas Decorations to Purchase

My top recommendation for purchasing Christmas decorations is to check out the local dollar store.  Even better, pick up next year’s cheap Christmas decorations even cheaper by waiting until after Christmas!   This is when prices on these items are slashed 50%-75% off!

Here are some inexpensive ideas that add the best value for the money and go along way to sprucing up the home for the holidays. 

• Ribbons and Bows: For about a dollar apiece at the craft or dollar store, large red and green bows and ribbons will brighten any room with holiday cheer
• Garland: Inexpensive yet effective, use garland to decorate stair railings, window pains and walls
• Put out goblets or bowls stuffed with your favorite holiday candies or cookies
• Light some scented candles.  The holiday spirit is inspired by appealing to the senses.  Nothing says Happy Holidays like a room that smells like vanilla or cookies!

However you decide to decorate this season, cheap Christmas decorations will go a long way helping inspire the holiday spirit.  Most importantly, enjoy the time together with family and loved ones as you decorate and prepare for the holidays. 

Have a Wonderful Merry Christmas!

What are your favorite ways of decorating for the holidays?