Do you find that each year your collection of Christmas decorations grow and grow? Do you put out your decorations earlier each year and take them down later? Do you love to decorate for the holidays but hate what it does to your budget? If this sounds like you then there’s good news! There are easy ways, and beautiful ways, to decorate your home for the holidays and stick to your budget.

Five Budget Christmas Decorating Ideas:

#1 Pinecones

Pinecones are free when you collect them yourself. A trip to the woods or the park can fill a basket. Bring them home and create a plan. You can make a pine cone wreath. You’ll need a wire frame and a hot glue gun. A few boughs from a pine tree can add greenery. Cranberries can add color. You can also simply fill a nice basket with pine cones and use it as a centerpiece.

If you love color, consider painting the pine cones. A clear glaze paint with gold or silver glitter adds sparkle. Essential oils like cinnamon and pine can add an aroma therapy element to your holiday decorations.

#2 Pine Boughs

A few pine boughs, branches from a pine tree, placed on your front door make a nice natural decoration. You can also hang them with a few white lights entwined. Consider using smaller boughs and greenery as a centerpiece on your dining table. In fact, a few well placed boughs with a flameless candle in the center is very peaceful and makes a beautiful decoration.

If you prefer color and drama you can add snow to the boughs by painting them with white spray paint or “snow” paint.

#3 Holiday Cards

Did you keep your holiday cards from last year? You can use them as decorations this year. You can create a collage or frame a choice few to add a bit of holiday cheer around your home. Also consider simply hanging them in a chain around doorways. All you need is some tape and string to decorate with holiday cards. Many people like to string the new cards they receive each year. They can watch the card chain grow.

#4 Candy Canes

Group a few pretty candy canes in a vase or jar to add color. Consider wrapping each candy cane or candy cane bundle with beautiful holiday ribbon to add flair.

#5 Presents and Paper

Grab old shipping boxes from your basement or garage. Wrap them in holiday paper and add bows and accessories to make them beautiful. Pile the “gifts” in prominent areas of your home. Put them under the tree and set smaller ones on shelves, tables, and mantles.

You can also wrap doorways with your favorite holiday wrapping paper to make them look like giant presents. Or if you prefer an understated look consider simply framing pieces of your favorite wrapping paper.

There are many low cost decorating ideas that you can embrace. Get creative. Use nature and take a look at ways you can use what you already have.