*This is no way sponsored by any company*

This is my favorite time of year. And I know how quickly the holidays can unwind before you know it you’re staring down at a credit card bill not knowing how on earth it’s going to get paid off. It shouldn’t have to be this way. It just takes a little creativity to glide through the holidays with your wallet unscathed.

Managing the Stress of Decorating:

Whether you’re in your fist apartment or home you don’t need live your best Instagram life today. Things like that take A LOT of time and money!I kid you not.

Step 1: Put up a Christmas tree

A tree of any size will do. Setting up a tree will bring the spirit of the holiday into your home quickly with minimal setup. Just because you may have 7-foot-high ceilings doesn’t mean that you need a 7-foot-tall tree. Get what fits your space. To save money over time, invest in an artificial tree. I know nothing quite looks or smells like a real Christmas tree other than the real thing but think about yourself first and what works for you today.

Buying a Christmas tree in 2018 might ruin your holiday budget since supplies continue to decline, forcing prices up in many parts of the country.

The National Christmas Tree Association said the cost of the evergreens are expected to increase 2% over last year’s average price of$64-$73. That’s on the heels of a 17% price spike from 2015-2017.

Buying an artificial tree can pay for itself after 2 years or less! If buying an artificial tree, I always recommend waiting until the day after Christmas when they can be marked down to 70% off. But, understandably, that sometimes is not possible if you truly need one right away.

I have found and love King of Christmas when it comes to Christmas trees. They have so many options available from unlit to pre-lit, to pencil or full, and 6 to 15 feet tall. They are very affordable!You can find a 6ft flocked pre-lit for $189.

Flocked trees are huge this year and will be for several more to come. The snowy white tips make the trees look so much fuller and don’t even require ornaments.

Photo Credit: King of Christmas

If ornaments are your thing, then I suggest shopping at Joanne Fabrics and Big Lots. Both places are wonderful for finding timeless pieces at fantastic prices. Joanne’s normally has 50% off sales and coupons galore. Big Lots doesn’t normally offer coupons,but the prices are cheap for a tree’s worth for less than $25.

If you have an old tree and are looking to upgrade, you can either sell it online through Craigslist or the Facebook Marketplace. Alternatively, donate your tree to the Salvation Army and use it as a charitable tax deduction.

Tree skirt? Don’t buy one, use a blanket instead!

Step 2: Add Table Flare

Do you have a kitchen table or coffee table that looks empty? Go outside and look for some small fallen twigs from a tree. Throw them in a vase and hang some ornaments and voila! You have an instant tablescape that you literally will not find in a store anywhere. If you don’t have a vase, just lie them directly on the table or a runner.  If you have white spray paint and some glitter, you can always spray them (outside) to add something a little extra to the look. Bare will look nice too.

Step 3: Candles

Candles immediately warm up a room. It sets the mood for when you want to stay in a be cozy (hygge).You can easily use real candles or battery operated if you want to be more sustainable.