Both paper chains as well as popcorn chains are still very popular and are inexpensive to make.
Paper chains: Make paper chains and stretch them down your hallway or down either side of your staircase. Or perhaps drape them around your front door, back door or bedroom door. Be creative, it’s the season for it! Use all one color or mix and match colors. Use regular paper or even better, construction paper (it’s sturdier).
Popcorn chains: Chains made out of popcorn are fun to make, especially for children. Consider adding a splash of color to them with cranberries. Popcorn/cranberry chains are eye catching, inexpensive, easy to make and are an activity that the whole family can participate in!
Creative Pursuits
Do you like to draw? Do your kids? If so then you’ve found another frugal way to decorate your home for Christmas. Bring out the artistic side of your nature by making your own pictures of brightly lit Christmas trees, Santa Claus, nativity scenes, wreaths, reindeer, sleighs, bells, snow scenes, stars, etc. Use plain paper, colored paper, fancy markers, colored pencils, and sparkles. Let your imagination be your guide!
If you’re not artistic in the least, you have other options. Cut out pictures from the newspaper and decorate your refrigerator, closets, windows and walls.
Kitchen Items
For your own snow scenes look no further than your kitchen cupboard. Grab your saltshaker and use it instead of glitter. It’s cheaper and looks just as good.
Do you have old jars you are about to throw out or recycle? Don’t. Turn them into Christmas candleholders instead. Place a tea light candle in your cleaned out mayonnaise jar (which you’ve cleaned with white vinegar to get the smell out of), tie a holiday ribbon around the neck of it and what do you know- you have a beautiful Christmas candle that is every bit as appealing as a store bought one. To increase the charm of your candle consider nestling it in nuts, or peppermints. Make a few candles and group them together for added effect. It’s Christmassy and eye catching at the same time!
Another “ribbon” idea is to tie green, red and gold ribbons on your lamps, chairs, bedposts, chandelier and just about anywhere they will attach to. Elegant and effortless is sometimes the way to go.