Holiday Decorating - Quick and Easy

I love the winter holidays. For some its Hanukkah. Others - Kwanzaa. For me, it's Christmas and I love it.

The problem with me loving anything though, is again the problem that I have a tendency to not be able to rein it all in. So holiday decorating can be a budget buster, but if you're spending conscience and you purchase items that can be used year after to year, you'll be able to slowly build up your holiday decorations stash.

Pictured here is my dog Nona, who of course loves Christmas just as much as I do. Who wouldn't when you get a bunch of treats and all this extra food drops on the floor? Well maybe not on the floor, but you get the point.

This Christmas tree here is only 4 1/2 feet tall and is perfect for my one-bedroom apartment. Now, I understand that not many people enjoy the artificial trees, but noting that this tree cost me just as much as a real one would each year, I think I got my money's worth for the last seven years - YES SEVEN! Imagine the savings each Christmas!!

Which leaves you room for other items such as garlands, lights for your windows, signs outside your patio (or home). However, what is most important is to stick to a budget. This year (the 7th year of the tree), unfortunately, my built-in lights went out. But for $10 I went out and bought new lights, used the same ornaments, etc. and the tree looks great! Or at least I like to think so...

The MMW twist? Use items you wouldn't normally have out for the holidays to jazz up your holiday decor. I had a statue that I didn't think would look nice out on a bookshelf . I though of putting it away, but when I put up a cheap, pre-decorated garland up on the bookcase, in front of the statue, it really sealed the deal! This year I only purchased a cute happy holidays sign for my porch, the lights for the tree, and the garland. It really has made a difference, and all for less than $40. What small items can you purchase within your budget to help create the ambiance you wish to have in your home? Trust me, that expensive snowman will still be there next year - and you don't really need him...