No Hassle Holiday Decorating Ideas For When You Don’t Feel Like Decorating

Inside: Not wanting to decorate for the holidays this year? Use one of these fast, easy, and cheap ways to instantly give your home a bit of Christmas cheer with little effort!

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There’s no rule in any holiday handbook that you have to go all out and have every surface shout “Merry Christmas”. Everyone has different things going on in their lives. And decorating may not be on the top of everyone’s list of their favorite pastimes.

But having a touch of holiday decor where you live is so important to lift your spirits during what can be a stressful time of year.

So if you are not feeling up to the task, I’ve put together this list of ideas to add a little easy decor and holiday spirit to your space without much expense or effort!

Greenery and natural elements.

Add greenery to a focal point in your space. Just this touch where you see it all the time instantly makes any room feel decorated for the holidays! This could be where you watch tv, the kitchen, a headboard, or where you enter the house.

It doesn’t have to be in a fancy arrangement or garland. It’s simply beautiful on its own.

Add tree branches to a vase. Tuck greenery sprigs into shelves or decorative containers you already have in place.

Or add a Christmas wreath or garland somewhere you spend a lot of time – you’re not limited to a fireplace or front door.

And there are so many greenery options! You can trim real greenery from outdoors (one of my favorite ways to decorate for free).

Cedar, magnolia, and boxwood are all classics for the holidays. If you have access to pine trees, forage a stash of pine cones to use in a bowl all winter long – no stress about putting it away on December 26.

Or faux greenery picks are super affordable and last throughout the season without having to think about them again. You don’t need much and can even cut them apart to spread the holiday decor and dollars further.

Ornaments.

Ornaments are the MVP when it comes to easy Christmas decorations. Simply adding ball ornaments to a tray or bowl makes instant holiday decor that fits any style!

Repurpose old ornaments or pick up some shatterproof ornaments from the dollar store and tuck in centerpieces and current decor to make any room ready for the holidays.

Lights.

Lights are a huge part of what creates the magical and peaceful vibe of Christmas. Lighting a few candles is so easy and most people already have a collection of them. Even better if they can bring in the scents of Christmas.

Draping a strand of string lights is another easy, inexpensive way to create holiday ambiance, especially if you live in a small space. Just like the greenery, any spot you spend your time is a good place for the peaceful glow of lights!

Try placing some battery operated fairy lights into vases, old wine bottles, or mason jars. Or wind them down a table, on a mantel, or through a plant.

Every December I switch out the photos in picture frames already on display with Santa photos of my kids, who are all grown up now. (You can see these in the full tour of our family room at Christmas here.)

When we’ve had our extended family here for Christmas, I’ve also put out holiday photos of our parents who are no longer with us. It always gets us to reminiscing all the good old family Christmas stories!

Mini versions of wreaths and trees.

A tabletop or small tree is affordable on a tight budget, plus easy to decorate and store. Mini wreaths can easily be found for under ten dollars apiece. And they are both perfect holiday decor for small apartments!

Wrapped presents.

And gifts that you plan to buy and wrap anyway can pull double duty as holiday decorations! Wrap them in paper that matches your decor’s color scheme and dress them up with ribbon and accessories.

Even wrap some empty shipping boxes that are headed to the recycling bin as an easy way to decorate (my family never fails to ask who these staged gifts are for after everything’s opened).

Food.

Food is another thing that can do double duty as holiday decor and is super affordable.

Candy canes or any Christmas candy in a bowl or jar add holiday cheer to the kitchen counter. Or a plate of Christmas cookies or treats under a cake plate.

Another easy, fun idea is to set up a hot cocoa station on the counter or on a drink cart with some of your coffee mugs and hot cocoa trimmings on a tray.

Christmas books.

Stack a few children’s classic Christmas stories on the coffee table. Not only will they be affordable Christmas decorations but they’re a great way to remember that long lost wonder of being a were a child at Christmas. Be on the lookout throughout the year for your childhood favorites when you’re browsing the thrift store.

I still have my favorite dog-eared Christmas books as well as my kids’, all read so many times! Those top couple are mine circa 1960’s – and both of our covers have worn a bit over the years.👵

Christmas cards.

If you still receive Christmas cards, they make great easy and free decorations. Put them in a basket on an end table. Or display your favorite Christmas cards from seasons past in a gallery on the wall. There are so many creative ways to display cards that you can buy now as well:

Set the mood.

Decorate for all of the senses, not just the eyes. Christmas scents, music, and movies bring the warm feelings of Christmas, not just the decorations!

It’s just not Christmas to me without the heavenly smells of Christmas trees and baked goodies, familiar Christmas music, and my must-watch holiday movies – Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, and It’s a Wonderful Life.

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If you are just not into decorating this year, I hope you are able to use at least one of these ideas to help bring the joy of the season into your home.

Holiday decorating doesn’t have to be over the top or cost a lot of money.

I decorate at the level I do because I have the time and have collected a lot to work with over the years. And really I just love doing it. That is me and everyone is different.

It is whatever brings you joy and peace.

Happy Holidays,

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