Once I wrapped my mind around the fact that I'm on the "Christmas on a Shoestring" budget this year, I sat down and began to think about my options. Credit? Not an option. There's no wiggle room in savings, so that's also not an option. The main issue that I had to come to terms with is that I love everything about the Christmas season; the parties, the fun foods, the gift giving(I love trying to find just the right thing for each person), the decorations everywhere, the tree and wreaths, and the list goes on. I love it all, but I just can't afford to do what I normally do. I can't afford much of it at all. I considered cutting my food budget each week in December to be able to afford the wreaths, etc., and decided that my eating right was more important. I thought about skipping my afternoon coffee at Novas and decided that the getting out of the house to study factor was more important for my sanity. I already walk and bike more than I drive my car, so I knew I couldn't really cut my gas bill this month. I quickly realized that there's really not a whole lot I can do with my current budget except to get creative and to be satisfied with and thankful for what I'm actually able to do this year. I'll share with you later about some of my gift ideas, but for now, here are some pictures from last night's decorating.
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| Handblown glass balls |
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| Curious as how to incorporate some of your beloved ornaments into decorating when you don't have a tree? Repurpose them along with other items from around the house for a really beautiful centerpiece! |
About 6 years ago one of my friends moved from Charlotte and had to greatly reduce her belongings. For $10, I bought her entire set of ornaments that she had bought as an exchange student in Germany: hand carved birds, twisted twig stars, and three sets of large balls covered in red berries, tiny pine cones, and a mixture of the berries and pinecones. The ornaments are so beautiful on a tree and I really wanted to be able to use them off the tree, as well. You can't see them very well(I made this picture huge so you could see better), but the stars are hanging from the shelf and the birds are on top between the red balls.
About 6 years ago one of my friends moved from Charlotte and had to greatly reduce her belongings. For $10, I bought her entire set of ornaments that she had bought as an exchange student in Germany: hand carved birds, twisted twig stars, and three sets of large balls covered in red berries, tiny pine cones, and a mixture of the berries and pinecones. The ornaments are so beautiful on a tree and I really wanted to be able to use them off the tree, as well. You can't see them very well(I made this picture huge so you could see better), but the stars are hanging from the shelf and the birds are on top between the red balls.
1 comment:
I like the dog ornament on the bed the best!(: (Everything is REALLY beautiful "in person"!)
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