All this holiday talk got me thinking about what it would have been like had I been in the midst of my own unplanned pregnancy during Christmas. I wasn’t, so I can not speak from experience. I know that I wouldn’t have had enough money back then to decorate in the same fashion that I do now. I probably wouldn’t have had a big tree but I know I would have wanted to decorate in some fashion, as that would make it feel more like the holidays to me.

I know there are some of you who are probably not in the most celebratory of moods this holiday season. And that is ok! But for those who are and who would at least like to decorate a little bit, I offer you some decorating tips on a budget.

• If you don’t have the money or room for a big tree, try by a small table top tree or potted plant and decorating it.



• Even if you don’t have a tree, you still decorate with strands of lights. Put them around the windows or door frames or spell out a holiday word with them on a blank wall.



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• Use Christmas Cards you receive in the mail as decorations. Display them or arrange them on a blank wall in the shape of a Christmas tree.



• Cut holiday shapes (such as trees, stockings, stars) out of old scraps of material or clothing to use as ornaments if you do have a tree.



• Make garland like you made in the old school days using construction paper, wrapping paper, or scraps of fabric and ribbon to decorate a mantel, counter, or tree.



• If you do have ornaments, but no money or room for a tree this year, try setting of the glass ball ornaments around the room in clear bowls. This is simple, looks pretty, and adds a bit of festivity to the room.



• Candles always add charm and provide a little aromatherapy too if you are using a scented candle. Place tea lights or votives in clean jars you have saved from mayonnaise, applesauce, etc…



• Sponge stars or other seasonal shapes onto your windows by adding a little bit of dishwashing liquid to paint. The dishwashing liquid will help it come off easily (with soap and water) after the holidays.

Source for some of these ideas: 10 Decorating Ideas on a Budget

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