Wow! 2020 is almost gone. Some will be glad of its departure, ready to enter a new year with their eyes on a brighter horizon, grateful for this opportunity to count their many blessings.
For many of us, 2020 has brought financial challenges as the economy strives to cope with the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Maybe there’s not much of a budget for holiday decorating, but the desire is still with you. Time to get creative! You can bring the joy of the season to your home without breaking the bank. Let’s explore some affordable and highly doable options.
Wreath the door with holiday welcome
Here’s an easy and affordable way to bring the spirit of the season to your front door.
Buy a holiday wreath – or, better still, gather up various lengths of live pine branches from the ground at places where Christmas trees are sold. Use twisties to form it into a wreath. Then drop by your neighborhood crafts store and pick up some inexpensive seasonal items, like pine cones, twist-on holly berries, twine, and whatever else catches your eye.
Hang your creation on your front door for instant holiday cheer.
Joy on a string
Strings of white lights are available at craft stores or “dollar” stores. Buy several packages and string them up around the room to create a cheerful ambiance.
If you have a Christmas tree, you can choose to use the same white lights, or go for variety by using blinking, colored lights for your tree.
Drape the lights over your mantle, across shelves, or even surrounding your windows.
For safety, be sure to turn your lights off before you sleep.
Candy cane decor
A really budget-friendly way to add holiday flair to your room is to put candy canes into mason jars and leave them in strategic places.
Looking for more color? Use green jars. The red and white stripes will compliment the green to accentuate the traditional colors of the holiday season.
Try not to eat all the candy canes before your guests arrive!
Say it with candles
Candles add a warm glow to any holiday room. Pair them with decorative items, such as gourds, figurines, wreaths, tinsel – it’s as unlimited as your imagination!
Please use caution with open flames. Candles in glass are safer and more contained, and a fringe benefit is that many are scented. Choose holiday aromas, such as pine and cinnamon spice.
Never leave candles unattended. If you plan to leave the room for more that just a few minutes, blow them out before you leave.
Virtual holidays
For many families, travel plans are put on hold in this time of pandemic. That doesn’t mean you can’t spend holidays with friends and loved ones.
Try a Zoom holiday party. True, you can’t hug grandma or kiss your new baby niece, but it’s a great way to get together for Thanksgiving or Christmas and still keep everyone safe.
Sending presents? Order online, or mail presents to loved ones, and have a virtual unwrapping on Christmas day.
Buying or selling a home?
Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click the link below to make an appointment.
