Creating a cozy Christmas is my main mission each year. I look forward to the coziness of the warmth, flannels, fire in the fireplace, and the ambiance of the lights, and I take pride knowing that although new Christmas decor is for sale each year, I don’t have to spend a dime to achieve my cozy. Read along for 5 ways to create a cozy Christmas this year while not breaking the bank.
1.) Use what you have.
Chances are, you have accumulated an eclectic assortment of Christmas decor over the years. Sure, you normally line the mantle with stockings, but maybe try changing it up. As you’re pulling out your decor, look at each item and ask yourself “could I use this somewhere different this year?” We have a lighted garland intended to go around our front door, but truth be told, it’s too short for this. So this year, we draped it over the top and down the sides of my grandmother’s Hoosier cabinet, and it’s perfect! In year’s past, we’ve also used it across our TV stand or the mantle. So many uses out of one versatile piece. What pieces do you have in your collection you could use in a different way this year to spruce up your space?
2.) Lights, lights, everywhere there’s lights!
It’s amazing to me what a huge impact Christmas lights make. I like to go wild with lights in our main living areas (the kitchen and living room) to make a big statement. This year, we have the tree lit as well as an old ladder where we hang stockings in the living room, lights across the top of my grandmother’s cabinet in the dining area, and lights across our upper cabinets and over the windows in our kitchen. We like to mix and match the white lights with color as well. In my opinion the white lights are warm and cozy, but the color lights are more festive. We love turning off the main lights and just sitting by the Christmas lights.
3.) Bring the outdoors in!
There are a lot of cedar and pine trees around our house, so in previous years I’ve brought branches of greenery as well as pinecones to add natural touches around the house. In addition to this, if you buy oranges regularly, you could incorporate these into your decor by dehydrating them and either hanging slices in your tree or adorning your wreath or other greenery with them.
4.) Don’t buy it, make it
This year, having a new addition I knew our sweet girl needed a stocking, but I didn’t want to just buy something generic. So instead, I found a free crochet pattern and decided to make a new set. I’ve gotten through three and run out of yarn, so now I will have to spend a little. But a skein of yarn sure beats a new stocking, especially when I can customize and make them how I want.
5.) Christmas is in the air…
Spread Christmas spirit in an aroma you create via a simmer pot. Add those leftover oranges / peels, some cinnamon sticks, cranberries, rosemary, cloves and water to a pot on the stove. Bring to a simmer and your whole house will smell like a winter wonderland. Keep an eye on the pot so that you keep liquid in it.
What are ways you like to create a cozy Christmas in your home?