I made a decision in 2001, after losing everything in a fire, to only use what we could make. By making, I'm talking about small things, a crocheted ornament, a cross stitched pillow ornament, a handmade blanket that wasn't necessary Christmas-y but done with reds to add a bit of color all winter. One exception to this rule are my poinsettias. They are just so cheerful and anything alive me feel more connected to nature in a season where I am indoors more than out.
We collect pine cones in autumn, these I use naturally but once it gets dark around 4:30pm around Halloween, I need some bursts of color to cheer up the dark afternoons. I turn to the pine cones first. Painting them will give them a whole new look. Same with adding acorns, leave them natural or add a bit of color and place in a small vase. When a guest left a glass Snapple bottle behind I removed the label and cleaned well. Having a wide mouth this bottle makes a lovely display for natural elements.
A tree is a big decision. Do you buy an artificial tree to use year after year or do you buy a live tree? What about a tree with a root ball? Live trees have their costs, what do you do with it when the holiday is over? Unless you have a chipper at your disposal most end up in the landfill. Not good. if you have land or know someone who would like a pine tree on their property then a live tree with a root ball is a good choice. Couple of things I learned from trying this one year is that it limits when you can bring the tree indoors, and it weighs A LOT! Even with help from a burly man this was awkward to get in, and out, of the house.
What about an artificial tree? This can be a good choice, it's a one time investment that should hold up for years. It can be set up any day and left decorated indoors for as long as you would like to have it. But its manufacturing process isn't good on the environment, which makes it a non-eco choice.
I have experimented with different things over the year. A large branch which came down after a storm was hung on the wall horizontally with ornaments hung from it. This went over well with family and guests. This year I crocheted, using heavy yarn to hold the shape, a tree shape and hung that over the window. To change things up, instead of ornaments I looked to my jewelry. Earrings worked perfectly as did a pewter key chain of a hummingbird I use more for decoration than its usefulness.
If you haven't decided on what type of tree to have yet this year, here are a few ideas that eliminate the traditional Christmas tree while giving you the atmosphere you may be looking for.
- Have you seen a dead tree, why not bring that in. Look how lovely it can be.
- Save space with one of these designs
- Here is another simple idea that uses no electricity nor does it need much adornment to be beautiful.
- This tree is created with a camera tripod.
If you have trees outside your door or a main window you can decorate that tree, enjoying the view from the window and choose to use pops of color indoors. A large box can be cut into the shape of a fireplace with mantle (if you don't have one) to hang stockings and set presents under. Don't buy the cardboard simply ask for shipping boxes from a local business.
While most of our money seems to be spent on gifts, decorating can take quite a bite out of the budget. Try to live with what you already have and use them in new ways. A glass bulb hung from a light fixture, such as a bathroom sconce may add all the extra color you need.
Another place people tend to spend a lot of money is on pillows. Decorative pillows are an easy way to change the look of a room, but don't buy new pillows, cover what you have. A simple slip cover will cost much less (you can make them from old sweaters or other fabrics you have on hand). Not only is this cheaper but you won't need to store those holiday pillows. Storing a small selection of pillow slip covers takes up less space and uses less resources to make.
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