3 ideas for beautiful Christmas decorations without spending much

Some of the most attractive Christmas decorations can be made or bought on a budget, turning any home into a winter wonderland.

Everyone wants to have the perfect Christmas decorations, but the reality is that it can get expensive. Luckily, this guide offers several tips to help you spread the joy for less this holiday season.

Think back to your childhood and remember your favourite Christmas decorations.

• Were they the fancy ornaments your mom bought at a department store?
• Maybe they were they the ornaments you made in primary school.

Everyone can remember using some craft sticks and gluing them together in order to make a nice frame, or cutting construction paper to make snowflake decoration for their parents. Maybe you remember making salt dough to cut out gingerbread men for ornaments.

Chances are, these are still going to be your favourite and most treasured ornaments, and now you can create them with your own kids.

• Purchase some inexpensive craft supplies at a dollar or discount store and get to work on your own memories.
• Your kids will not only enjoy the pretty decorations, but they will also enjoy the quality time spent making them.
• Other old favourites include popcorn strings for garlands and paper chains to string across doorways.

Sometimes the best Christmas decorations aren't the new ones.

• Check out garage sales throughout the summer when people are willing to sell their old holiday decorations at a cheap price.
• Churches and schools often have benefit sales in the fall, and this can be another way to pick up some vintage ornaments for little cost.
• Don't discount thrift stores. Checking out the seasonal section can often bring up some treasures for your Christmas at a discounted price.

Another option for stretching the use of existing decorations is to purchase some inexpensive decorations at discount stores and mix them in with more expensive, heirloom decorations.

• Choose cheaper ornaments and decorations in one colour, and add a ribbon for a homey feel.
• Set your nicer things toward the front of the tree or in the more prominent places in your house to make the inexpensive items look like they fit in seamlessly.

While not everyone can afford to break the bank to purchase Christmas decorations, it is easy to find some cheer that will fit any budget and sparkle this Christmas season.