As soon as Thanksgiving is over, many people go digging into their back closets to dig out those dusty old boxes full of Christmas decorations. From homespun trinkets, to ornate Victorian accessories, and valuable holiday heirlooms, Christmas decorating has become a tradition almost as old as Christmas itself. Did you spend all your money getting gifts on "Black Friday?" There's no reason to despair! You can still create a fun and festive home with handmade ornaments and Christmas decorations. There is no reason to buy those expensive ornaments when you can use things lying around your house and a little imagination.



The first place that you can hunt for materials and ideas is from your own kitchen. Once you finish making those delicious holiday cookies, use your washed cookie cutter as an ornament. Use some ribbon or string and hang them on your tree. You can also use cookies as ornaments. Use a regular cookie dough recipe or a salt dough recipe and paint them so they look more festive. Stringing popcorn and cranberry together, which have been adorning trees for years, could be used as garland for your tree or doorframe. For a real country look, dry some apple and orange slices in your oven and tie them to your tree with some more festive ribbon scraps.

Another great place for Christmas decorating materials is you own back yard. Sticks and twigs can be shaped and tied to create rustic stars to hang from your tree or porch. You can spray paint acorns and pinecones gold, silver, or leave them as their natural color. Hang these decorations from your Christmas tree or fill a basket to put in front a fireplace hearth or coffee table. Branches from boxwood or other garden plants can be molded into a wreath or placed in a jar for a natural looking centerpiece. The simplest decorations are usually the best looking.

Your sewing basket will give you another unlimited supply of material for Christmas decorating. Strips of fabric in Christmas hues can be wrapped around Styrofoam balls and placed into a festive bowl or basket. Potpourri can be stuffed into pouches of netting and hung from the Christmas tree or any other part of the house needing decorations. Not only are they pleasing to the eye, but can add a nice fragrance to the room.

Great Decorations for your Tree

If you do not have any of these items lying around your house, most of the materials to make great Christmas tree ornaments can be bought at your local hobby store. Utilizing a quick search on the internet, you can find hundreds of free ornament designs and ideas. Is it not only an inexpensive way to decorate your tree, but it is a great way to get the family together. This can make for a fun time and the ornaments are much more personal than store bought ones.

Once you have made your own Christmas tree ornaments, store them properly so that you can use them again next year. If you don't have storage room or they get ruined, there is no reason to fear. You can do it all again next year!

With a little craftiness and plenty of artistic flair, your home can be transformed into a Christmas wonderland. By using supplies that you find around your house and yard, and a little creativity and fun, your Christmas decorating will delight your entire family without putting a crimp into your budget.