Saving for Christmas

A Difficult Year

This year, like a number of past ones, has been hard for almost everyone in the world. People have lost their jobs and homes and many people are still suffering from previous events like lockdowns, mental illness, loneliness, lack of medical care for other illnesses, like stroke, heart attack and cancer.

For those who celebrate Christmas, it is often a time to make it the best one ever, to forget about a miserable year, with no money and to really blow out on Christmas.

Whether you are planning a blow-out Christmas, a usual Christmas or even just a quiet time at home, it always takes money. If you really have no money, then now is also the time to plan how you are going to manage at Christmas.

Savings

Have you started saving for Christmas? Maybe you have enough money for all you need each year? If not, then you could save $100 or £100 by Christmas by starting right NOW and putting $1 or £1 a day into a jar. If you start on September 1st,  there are over 100 days left to Christmas so just 1 coin a day would get you 100 coins by Christmas. Of course, if you gave up a coffee a day from September, you could save maybe 300 coins by Christmas or even more. Would that help with the expenses? It could certainly buy you a turkey or other Christmas dinner, some festive cheer and even some presents.

Starting Later

Of course, you may be reading this later, if so, start saving now. Put your spare change in a jar, give up buying a coffee or a bun or buy a cheaper lunch or take one from home. You can still save something and every little bit helps towards the expenses.

Food

Perhaps you could put some food to one side? Tins of meat, chicken, beef or whatever your favourites are. Even a few tins of baked beans  hidden away may help reduce the expense nearer Christmas itself. Some shops may be offering deals between now and Christmas. If the deal is something you would use AND it can be stored safely, then that’s another help towards Christmas.

Presents

I recall one person I know whose parents suffered hard times many many years ago. He got no presents at all. But his parents didn’t let him know before Christmas. Here are some thoughtful, affordable, and handmade gift ideas for Christmas that can still bring joy to loved ones without breaking the bank:

Handmade Gifts

Bake cookies, biscuits, muffins, or a small loaf of bread, and wrap them in festive paper or a tin.  Buy a plain mug and decorate it with oil-based paint pens. You can add personal messages, designs, or the recipient’s name. Use old candle stubs or buy some wax. Adding a few essential oils can create lovely candles. Hand-Knit or Crocheted Items such as scarves, beanies, or small blankets can be made with inexpensive yarn and a little time. Paint or draw a small piece of art and frame it. You can also use pressed flowers for a natural, beautiful effect.

 Upcycled & DIY Gifts

Write down shared memories, jokes, or things you appreciate about the recipient on slips of paper. Place them in a decorated jar for them to read. Use materials like beads, leather, or even upcycled fabric to create personalized keychains. Take cuttings from a plant you have and pot them in a small, decorated pot. Handwrite your favourite recipes or family recipes and bind them into a small recipe book. Create a bookmark from cardstock, decorated with doodles, inspirational quotes, or a meaningful design.

Hard Times

This article is based on a previous one back in 2020, when people had been suffering from the effects of lockdowns during the year. There was also not much of a Christmas that year and some people decided to celebrate Christmas in July the following year.

Hopefully, there will be nothing similar this year, though  may people now have much less money than previously, costs have risen and many families are at or below poverty level. If you are in this position, look around for local organizations that help families in need. You may be able to find a food bank, a baby needs bank, or there may be local goodwill shops where you could buy toys well ahead of time.

Long Christmas Ornaments

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Long Christmas ornaments

are those that are larger or more elongated than typical ornaments.  Using these can add visual interest, variety, and a sense of elegance to your holiday decorations. Here are some reasons why you might choose to use long Christmas ornaments.

Elegant Aesthetic

Long ornaments, such as finials or icicles, often have an elegant and sophisticated appearance. They can bring a touch of class to your Christmas tree and overall decor.

Dramatic Effect

The elongated shape of certain ornaments can create a more dramatic and eye-catching effect on your tree. This can be especially effective if you’re going for a bold and memorable holiday display.

Unique Design

Long ornaments can introduce unique and distinctive shapes to your Christmas tree. They break away from the traditional round baubles, offering a fresh and interesting look.

Vertical Emphasis

If you want to emphasize the height of your Christmas tree, long ornaments can help draw the eye upward, creating a sense of verticality and making the tree appear taller.

Modern and Trendy

Many modern and contemporary Christmas decorations feature long and slender shapes. If you’re aiming for a more modern or trendy holiday decor theme, incorporating long ornaments can be a stylish choice.

Variety in Texture and Material

Long ornaments come in various materials and textures, such as glass, metal, or even fabric. Adding these different materials can diversify the look of your tree, creating a visually appealing mix.

Complementing Theme

Depending on your overall Christmas theme or color scheme, long ornaments might complement the style you’re going for. For example, if you have a winter wonderland theme, icicle-shaped ornaments can enhance the wintry atmosphere.

Creative Arrangements

Long ornaments can be strategically placed on the tree to create interesting arrangements. For instance, you might hang them in a cascading pattern or group them together for a clustered effect.

Remember that personal preferences and style play a significant role in decorating for the holidays. Whether you choose long ornaments for their aesthetic appeal, unique design, or thematic fit, the key is to create a festive atmosphere that brings joy and suits your tastes. Here are some examples of long ornaments.

Icicle Ornaments

These ornaments are designed to resemble icicles and are often longer and slender in shape.

Long Glass Ornaments

Some Christmas ornaments come in elongated shapes, often made of glass. These can be found in various colors and designs.

Hanging Finial Ornaments

Finial-shaped ornaments are elongated and often have a tapered or pointed end. They add a touch of elegance to Christmas trees.

Dangling or Drop Ornaments

These are longer ornaments that hang down from the branches of the tree. They can be in the form of various designs, such as bells, stars, or elongated baubles.

Spiral or Twisted Ornaments

Some ornaments have a spiral or twisted design, giving them a longer appearance. These can add a unique and modern touch to your Christmas tree.

Tassel Ornaments

Tassel-style ornaments have a long, hanging fringe that can add a decorative and stylish element to your tree.

Ribbons and Garlands

While not traditional ornaments, long ribbons and garlands can be used to create a cascading effect on the tree, providing a sense of length and movement.

When shopping for Christmas ornaments, you can often find a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your preferences and theme. Consider mixing different types of ornaments for a visually interesting and diverse decoration.

Northern Lights Christmas Decorations

The Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis, have been seen further south than usual recently. They are magical lights when viewed in the sky; and creating Northern Lights-inspired Christmas decorations can bring a magical and ethereal atmosphere to your holiday decor. Here are some ideas to help you achieve this look.

Northern Lights Ornaments:

Purchase or make ornaments that resemble the colors and patterns of the Northern Lights. Use iridescent or holographic materials to mimic the shimmering effect.
Paint clear or glass ornaments with swirling patterns of green, blue, and purple to represent the Northern Lights.

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String Lights

Hang string lights with a mix of blue, green, and purple LEDs to simulate the Northern Lights’ colors. You can also find pre-made Northern Lights-themed string lights.

Table Settings and Centerpiece

Choose tablecloths, placemats, and napkins in Northern Lights colors. Add some sparkle with metallic or glitter accents. Create a centerpiece for your dining table or mantel using battery-operated LED candles and translucent vases filled with blue and green marbles or colored water.

Northern Lights Tree Topper

Replace your traditional tree topper with a starburst-style topper made from iridescent or metallic paper. Add LED lights to give it a glowing effect.

Wreaths Garlands and Decals

Make or buy wreaths with blue and green ornaments, pinecones, and faux snow to represent the Northern Lights’ colors and a wintery feel. Craft garlands from ribbons or fabrics in shades of blue, green, and purple. Hang them along the stair railing or mantel. Apply peel-and-stick Northern Lights wall decals to create an instant atmospheric effect in any room. Create luminaries by cutting intricate patterns into paper bags and placing LED candles inside. The cutouts can depict Northern Lights scenes. Make paper snowflakes in the shape of Northern Lights patterns and hang them around your home.

Window Displays

Hang sheer curtains in blue, green, or purple to give the illusion of the Northern Lights shimmering in your windows.

Holiday Cards

Design or choose holiday cards with Northern Lights imagery or colors to send to friends and family.

Northern Lights Paintings:

Paint your own Northern Lights-themed artwork or purchase paintings to display on your walls.

Sound Effects:

Create a playlist with soothing sounds of winter and the Northern Lights. Play it softly in the background to enhance the ambiance.

Remember that the Northern Lights are characterized by their beautiful colors and swirling patterns, so incorporating these elements into your Christmas decorations will help you capture the essence of this natural wonder during the holiday season.