I love going all out with Christmas decorating. In addition to the standard tree and stockings hanging by the fire, I like to add a few extra touches like mistletoe over the front doorway and little arrangements of scented candles and fresh greens scattered around the house.

I try to make as many of the decorations myself as possible in order to save money, and I re-use certain items from year to year, but there are always a few things that need to be purchased each season.

Up until 5 years ago, I was a die-hard fresh Christmas tree fan because of the lovely scent fresh trees give off. However, in the interest of environmental conservation (as well as not having to pick pine needles out of my carpeting for months afterward) I switched to an artificial Christmas tree and I couldn’t be happier with it.

I can’t recall the brand I purchased because the packaging was thrown out long ago, but it’s around 6 feet tall and incredibly realistic looking. I bought it at a local Ace Hardware store just after the holidays so I was able to get it at a huge discount. I think I paid less than $100.

About half the tree ornaments I use have been in my family for years. The rest I purchase at after-Christmas sales at the Rite-Aid drugstore or Target when the prices are really low. I probably only spend around $25-35 per year on new tree decorations.

I re-use my strings of tiny clear lights and only replace the bulbs that have burned out. I try to change the color scheme from year to year and I find that clear lights are the most versatile.

For my individual table arrangements, I buy huge bunches of juniper branches, fresh holly and mistletoe from my local farmers market for just a few dollars each. I use large pillar candles that I usually pick up at Target or Pier 1. The prices vary but aren’t generally higher than $3-4 apiece.

I arrange the greens along the fireplace mantle with some sparky ornaments interspersed and also use some of the greenery and candles to make the dining room table centerpiece.

Our family’s Christmas stockings were hand-made by my mother and we re-use them every year. Since purchasing the artificial tree, my Christmas decorating expenses have gone down significantly. I generally spend less than $100 a year now and am able to maximize my budget by getting things in the off-season when they’re significantly less expensive.