Bringing the spirit of Christmas into our homes can be one of the most magical parts of the season. But that doesn’t mean we fill every nook and cranny of our homes with stuff. There are a few ways we can simplify Christmas decor in our homes and still keep them cozy and festive!
Over the years, my Christmas decor has changed a lot. 10 years ago right after getting married, I felt like I “needed” to buy all the things. I didn’t have much and we were on a budget so cheap was the key word! But as the years have gone by, I’ve slowly eliminated about 80% of those items. The items that have made the cut are classic, simple, nostalgic and will stand the test of time.
I’m much more intentional with my decor these days. There are 6 tips and tricks that have helped me keep both the amount I store and how much money I spend on Christmas decor low.
Simplify Christmas Decor
1.Re-Use What You Have
I’m going to come right out and say it. You don’t need an entirely new set of Christmas tree ornaments each year. You don’t need everything you find in the aisles of TJ Maxx or Target or the Pottery Barn catalog. It’s okay to appreciate the beauty of something without bringing it into your home.
Using pieces from year to year creates a more nostalgic atmosphere each Christmas. We don’t need to waste our time, money, and storage space in our home buying more when what we already have is enough.
2. Create a Wishlist
If there are some pieces of decor you need to replace or would really love to add, then create a wishlist. Limit yourself to just a few items each year. Don’t go overboard! Then when you do go out shopping, you know exactly what you’re looking for. And if it’s not an item on your list, you can confidently leave it behind in the store. Enjoy its beauty without bringing it home with you.
3. Set a Small Budget
First off, if your budget is already tight, then Christmas decor shouldn’t be in it. Use what you have and remember there is always next season. You shouldn’t go into debt for all the small items in the Target Dollar Spot. You shouldn’t go into debt for Pottery Barn stockings. You shouldn’t go into debt because your favorite blogger or YouTuber shares a link to something they got for free and are making money on your sale!
If you have a little wiggle room, then set a small budget. Take out that amount in cash and use it as you shop your wishlist. Once the money is gone, then stop shopping!
For more information about simplifying your budget, check out the 2020 Budget Binder.
4. Decorate Slowly
Begin with just a few items. Don’t go overboard. Usually less is more when it comes to decorating.
Don’t feel bad if it takes a few days or even a week to decorate. Pull out a few items, see how it feels, and then add more if you want. But I have a feeling you might just find that a few Christmas decorations make much more of a statement than an abundance of them.
5. Use Only Your Favorites
Only put out the things that are meaningful to you. The items you love. Those things that you remember from year to year that you are so excited to pull out of the attic, garage, or basement.
Why waste your time and clutter your home with decor that’s just so-so in your opinion.
6. Go for Statement Pieces
One large statement piece is going to stand out so much more than a bunch of small trinkets. Decorate in groupings of 1, 3, or 5. Much more than that and the space will likely feel cluttered.
Give yourself room to breathe in between decor pieces. Not every solid surface needs to be covered. In fact, it will be much easier to clean and put away at the end of the season if they aren’t! 😉
Looking for more inspiration to help you simplify Christmas? Check out these posts: