Table of contents

Christmas is about joy, warmth, and togetherness, not how much you spend. The festive season can feel overwhelming for those facing financial challenges, but decorating your home doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

In the second blog of our Christmas Savings series, we share clever and affordable ideas to help you create a cosy, festive atmosphere without stretching your budget.

Christmas Tree Options

Choose Cost-Effective Trees

  • Artificial trees are a one-time investment that you can reuse every year
  • If you already have a tree, avoid the temptation to replace it. A bit of creativity – like adding a fresh ribbon or swapping out some ornaments – can give it a new look.

Think Smaller or Skip the Tree

  • A smaller tree can still make an impact. To give it more height, place it on a sturdy box or small table.
  • Or, skip the tree entirely by creating a “tree” on your wall, using string lights and hanging other decorations you already own. This is a perfect option for small spaces and tight budgets.

Decorations That Won’t Break the Bank

DIY For a Personal Touch

  • Get crafty! Making decorations is a relaxing activity – whether you do this on your own or with loved ones – and it’s budget-friendly. If you have children, you could ask them to create a paper angel for the top of the tree or paint some ornaments together.
  • Use everyday household items for creative crafts, like old jars, ribbons or paper.

Save on Lighting Costs

  • Opt for solar-powered outdoor lights or LED bulbs, which use less energy.
  • Keep lights off when they’re not needed. Turning them off at night or when you’re out saves on electricity.

Host a Decoration Swap

If you want to switch things up, you could host a swap party with friends or family. This way, you’ll get new decorations without having to spend anything.

Decorating Your Christmas Table on a Budget

Everyone wants to have an appealing Christmas table, but aiming for this can also increase your Christmas expenses, so why not look at ways to bring costs down this year?

Reuse What You Have

Instead of buying a new dinner set specifically for Christmas, you can use what you already have in your cupboards. Some ribbon and decorations around the table could help make the table look nice and festive.

Make Edible Decorations

You can also create edible decorations, which will help you cut down on both decoration and food costs.

Some ideas include:

  • Use cookies or gingerbread as table placeholders, letting guests decorate their own
  • Create edible centrepieces like tasty trees using meringues, chocolates, or marshmallows

Contact us

We know Christmas can bring added financial pressure with it. If you’re struggling with debts, call us on 0800 316 1833. We’re open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays. Alternatively, you can visit our advice page to speak to us via live chat or for more information.

If you’re looking for ways to make the most of your money, BudgetSmart has hundreds of easy actions you can take to improve your monthly budget.

Also, check out our blog on Saving money on gifts this Christmas.