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Holiday Decorating on a Budget

© L.C. Dumke

Since I was a child, December has always been my favorite month of the year. But it isn't just the gift-giving (and receiving!) part that I love. I love most everything about Christmas -- the smell of a real Christmas tree in my home, baking cookies with the kids, the warmth of a crackling fire, and the nights we spend peering out the window for hours, anticipating snow.

Decorating can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the season. After all, you get to stay in your nice warm home, you can spend time with your family, and you may even relive holiday memories as you pull ornaments and decorations from their boxes.

Like many people, I want to decorate my home lavishly for the holidays, but my budget just won't permit it. So I've learned some creative ways to decorate for the holidays on a budget. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* Before you hit the stores, go outside and find "natural decorations." Gather leaves, fallen branches (especially those with Autumn-color leaves), pine cones and vines. Use these items in centerpieces, arrangements and to make or embellish wreaths!

* Instead of purchasing holiday towels, napkins, tablecloths and placemats, purchase several yards of fabric you like and make your own.

* If you receive lots of Christmas cards, use them in your decorating. Hang them from your staircase bannister or on the molding around a doorway or prominent window.

* Fill a glass bowl or vase with Christmas ornaments to create a unique and colorful holiday centerpiece.

* Cut holiday-inspired shapes (like stars or trees) out of poster board, coat one side with glue and cover with glitter. When they're dry, use them all over your home for a festive, sparkling touch.

* Use electrical wire to create primitive folk art-inspired stars and small wreaths.

Need more ideas? You can find more than you'll ever need on various Web sites. Check out some of my favorites: Frugalmoms.com Holiday Ideabase; Carol Duvall?s Holiday Workshop; Victorian Christmas Decorating; and Women.com's Guide to the Holidays.

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