It’s the most wonderful (and expensive) time of the year, and we all know just how much ‘decking the halls’ actually costs – especially during periods of instability. If you have even the tiniest dash of creativity in you however, bringing festivity to life can cost very little – nothing in fact with some tips and a little bit of imagination. So, we’ve put together a few ideas to help you brighten your home this holiday season in ways that won’t break the bank (or your spirit).  

Festive foliage

We don’t want to encourage pilfering, but if you happen to come across some suburban Rosemary, or a few branches of eucalyptus or gum leaves on your daily travels, these can be truly magical for a range of decorative Christmas ideas. Bend a wire coat hanger into a circle and wind the foliage around it to create a wreath, or lay it across the table at lunch, decorated with some small ornaments and candles to create a fragrant and festive welcome or centrepiece. They can provide greenery in a vase on a hall table or even be woven with a bit of tinsel to serve as a makeshift, Australiana-themed Christmas tree. 

Handmade Christmas crackers

They may not deliver the satisfying cracking sound you’re used to, but handmade crackers can end up being a really beautiful and personal experience to share at the Christmas meal. Cardboard tube inserts leftover from wrapping paper or paper towel can serve as the inside, packed with simple or precious treats. Wrap the tubes in some festive paper or fabric, then tie each end with string or ribbon. You can even add a gift tag with someone’s name on it, so the cracker doubles as a placeholder. The real creativity and meaning comes with what goes inside the crackers – from tiny bargain shop toys and games to vintage heirloom jewellery passed on as gifts – the possibilities and the personalisations are endless. Small notes, jokes, or messages to those you love are often a nice touch.  

Upcycled wrapping paper

The wrapping that gifts are presented in may be one of the most pointless costs at Christmas – in some cases serving its purpose for less than 8 hours as ‘Santa’ scurries around at midnight Christmas eve wrapping gifts that will be torn apart just a few hours later. If you can play the long game and have small kids at your disposal – set up a day of painting or craft and suggest those paintings be posted in their letter to Santa. Some of their gifts can then be wrapped in those paintings, reinforcing the Santa magic to another level on Christmas morning. Brown paper shopping bags, newspapers, catalogues, and last year’s Christmas paper are all great alternatives to buying fresh rolls and can be brightened up with coloured ribbons or string. Fabric offcuts, brightly printed tea towels, serviettes, or pillowcases are also great alternatives that can do the job AND save the trees at the same time. 

Creating rituals 

Underneath what can be overwhelming commercialism, Christmas can be a deeply meaningful time with the opportunities it presents. Families may not have always been together, times may not have always been easy but small rituals like watching Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve or being the nominated ‘person who makes the pavlova’ every year add layers of meaning, make everyone feel involved and build precious memories from one year to the next. 

This time of year can be difficult for many of us, so if you’re an Ex-Serviceman or woman, know one, or are the family member of someone who is going through difficulties, Open Arms and  Lifeline is available all year round. Beyond Blue can also assist or you can contact the Australian Government’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs for assistance.  You’re also welcome and encouraged to contact Carry On who can help you with the support you might need.