Craft a Festive Holiday

Budding crafters know that all you need is creativity — and maybe a hot glue gun — to decorate for the #holidays in magnificent DIY style. Reader’s Digest has 50 foolproof ideas you can use to make your home into holiday headquarters, including jingle bell wreaths, rustic reindeer figurines and cinnamon stick candles. These and other holiday crafts can keep you and the kids busy while in #quarantine, and give you that warm holiday feeling that may be missing with so many travel plans cancelled this year.

Make Your Own Ornaments

Celebrating your first holiday in a new place and don’t have enough ornaments to put on the tree? Do what your parents did: Make a batch of salt dough to cut into festive shapes to decorate and hang on the tree! “Those homemade ornaments you made as a kid were the best,” Bustle says. “You can imprint thumbs, greenery, or whatever else you want, or cut out festive shapes like trees and stars using cookie cutters.” This is also a great way to keep the kids occupied make memories with the kids in the runup to Christmas.

Thrifting for Holiday Decorations

Holiday decorating doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Some of the best decorations, in fact, may be available at thrift stores supplied by generous contributions to ClothingDonations.org. “Thrift store holiday décor can sometimes make you feel like you’ve opened a time capsule from your childhood,” says blogger Brittany Goldwyn, “but there are always goodies mixed in.” If you use your imagination (and perhaps a touch of spray paint), your home can quickly exude holiday cheer.

Make Gifts Into Holiday Decorations

Now’s the time to decorate for the holiday if you haven’t already! One easy way to decorate quickly it is to get your gifts wrapped and on display under the tree as soon as possible, says blogger Liz Marie. Experiment with gift wrap, ribbon, ornaments and other elements to lend your gifts festive visual interest, she says. “The dollar store sells brown craft paper that looks great paired with some natural elements you can find in your yard” such as pine cones and boughs.

Holiday Decorating on the Cheap

Decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to be a chore — or break the bank — if you get creative. Even small spaces can share the joy of the season with DIY projects such as a tabletop or twig tree, Good Housekeeping says. Evergreen garlands and clippings can bring the colors and scent of the season into the home, while a handmade “tree” or card display can serve as the focal point of the room. Don’t forget to place candles and string lights strategically throughout the house to make the holidays feel warm and magical, the story says, even as you keep an eye on your budget.