Christmas is definitely the priciest of all the holidays, so I like to take the DIY route as much as possible to save some bucks here and there. It also tends to get rather chaotic, so a bit of foresight and planning can go a long way to ensure that the actual eve and day runs as smoothly as possible, so that you can relax and enjoy instead of stress and pull your hair out.

These genius hacks, tips, and tricks can give you that assistance and relief so that you get to enjoy that magical Christmas, full of festive family fun and delicious treats in a gorgeously decorated home.

Candy Label Holder

What’s Christmas without candy canes, right? If you’re in need of a cute and easy way to make place card holders to show people where to sit, or to label all your delicious snacks, then look no further than your trusty bag of candy.

Instructions and Project Credit: IndustriousJustice

Coffee Filter Angel Wings

I just love making pretty adornments out of everyday household items, and this one is a perfect example. Practically every American household has coffee filters, so if you can afford to spare some (wouldn’t want you being coffee-less on Christmas morning!), you can make some of these dainty little angel wings to brighten up your tree.

Instructions and Project Credit: CraftsALaMode

Olaf Treat Jar

If you’re looking for a whimsical way to serve some treats for the kids then this Olaf jar is a guaranteed hit. Who would’ve thought that two terra cotta pots placed on top of each other create the perfect shape for the lovable snowman’s head?

Instructions and Project Credit: Moms&Munchkins

Faux Fireplace

Most of us envision that idyllic Christmas home scene with the stockings hanging from the fireplace and cards and snow globes proudly displayed atop the mantelpiece. Sadly, everything can’t always be as perfect in real life as it is in our minds, but that’s not to say that we shouldn’t try. So if you don’t have a real-life fireplace, why not fake it till you make it?

Instructions and Project Credit: eHow and Instructions and Project Credit: SomewhatSimple

Dollar Store Wreath

I absolutely love decorating my front door with a festive wreath to spread the holiday cheer, but I’m not a fan of spending too much money on it. Thankfully, there’s a really simple way to make your own inexpensive version using a wire coat hanger and Christmas ornaments.

Instructions and Project Credit: AJsCraftRoom

Paper Doily Forest

If you want to create a magical, wintery forest scene, then look no further than a few paper doilies and toothpicks. This soft, simple, and elegant decoration is so easy to put together, and would look gorgeous above the mantelpiece or even as a centerpiece for your table.

Instructions and Project Credit: OuiOuiOui

Candy Bowl

This isn’t just a bowl full of candy, this is a bowl that’s actually made from candy! How great is that? As long as you don’t get the bowl wet, it won’t turn into a sticky mess, and if you want your sweet treat bowl to last longer (perhaps to give as a gift), you could preserve it with some sort of sealant.

Instructions and Project Credit: PrincessPinkyGirl

Ornament Storage

I get super excited when it comes to setting everything up for Christmas, but having to untangle everything and try to make sense of boxes of holiday chaos is not the ideal way to start. Instead of burdening your future self with a disorganized box of who knows what, use plastic cups as mini compartments to keep everything organized until next year.

Instructions and Project Credit: Mom’sPartyCafé

Festive Chandelier

Turn your chandelier into a festive one with the addition of a few fun Christmassy ornaments. Remember, anything goes during this time of year, so you can go ahead shamelessly and Christmas-ify pretty much anything in your home.

Instructions and Project Credit: BrassyApple

Snowman Pretzels

When it comes to my favorite thing about Christmas, it’s a toss-up between the incredible food and the fun presents (yes, ok, that’s gluttony and greed right there...). These adorable little snowman pretzels make the perfect little treats to snack on and they’re so easy to make! This is also an excellent opportunity to get the kids involved.

Instructions and Project Credit: HungryHappenings

Hot Glue Snowflakes

This is one of those ‘I can’t believe I’ve never thought of this’ crafts that I am so excited to try. Creating snowflakes is so easy with the help of a hot glue gun, and you can use them to decorate pretty much anything, not just your windows.

Instructions and Project Credit: WeLivedHappilyEverAfter

Pumpkin Snowman

If you find yourself stuck with pumpkins after your Halloween and fall decorating, here’s a cute way to repurpose them: paint the suckers white and turn them into snowmen who welcome your guests as they enter your home.

Instructions and Project Credit: ANolaGirlAtHeart

Wrapping Paper Wreath

After all the wrapping of gifts (I like to get that out of the way as early as possible), you can use your leftover scraps to make a jolly starburst wreath! Don’t be afraid to mix and match whatever it is you have left over.

Instructions and Project Credit: CentsationalGirl

Snow Slime

As great as this time of the year is, you can’t deny that it can also get pretty chaotic, especially if you have little ones pining for your constant attention. If you need to keep them busy and out of your hair while you get back to your preparations, then this snow slime might just be your saving grace.

Instructions and Project Credit: GrowingAJeweledRose

DIY Cookie Boxes

Homemade cookies are excellent gifts for teachers, co-workers, and neighbors, but after all that baking, you’ll need an easy way to present them. I’m always looking for ways to recycle, so here’s your answer: decorate those empty parchment paper/aluminum foil boxes, or, for the larger cookies, go for empty Pringles tubes!

Instructions and Project Credit: AuntPeaches and Instructions and Project Credit: AThousandWords

 

Centralized Tree Lighting

I’m sure you all have your own way of lighting up your tree, but here’s something new to try. If you wrap your string lights around the trunk of the tree, you’ll get this gorgeous glow from within, making it look almost ethereal.

Instructions and Project Credit: InMyOwnStyle

 

 

Fake Tree Makeover

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who use fresh trees for Christmas and those who use fakes. If your decade-old fake tree is starting to lose its magic and volume and you’re just not quite ready to part with it yet, get yourself some faux pine garlands for an instant tree volumizing pick-me-up. Genius!

Instructions and Project Credit: 3LittleGreenwoods

Pool Noodle Birch Logs

I’ve shown you some pretty creative ways to use Instructions and Project Credit: pool noodles, so here’s a festive-related one to add to the list. Pool noodles, or foam pipe insulation, can be transformed into surprisingly realistic-looking birch logs that give you the decorative look, minus all the lugging around (and unwanted bugs).

Instructions and Project Credit: DesignDazzle

Ping Pong Ball Lights

A brilliant way to upgrade your string lights is to cover each light with a ping pong ball; it immediately changes the atmosphere and gives you a softer, cozier glow. Take note: ping pong balls are highly flammable, so I’d suggest you only use LED lights for this one so that they won’t get hot, melt, or go up in flames.

Instructions and Project Credit: ThisJourney and Instructions and Project Credit: Instructables:AdvancedMischief

 

Cereal Gift Box

Shoeboxes always come in handy when you’re in need of a gift box, but if you haven’t bought any new shoes lately (siiiiigh), you can actually make one from an empty cereal box. I’d suggest lining the inside with some pretty paper or paint to hide the box’s markings.

Instructions and Project Credit: Instructables:blightdesign

Sock Owls

Aren’t these cute little owls such a hoot? (I’m so sorry – I just couldn’t help myself…) These sweet little owls make great decorations or gifts, and it’s a fun craft to get the kids involved in, too. And since we all seem to have washing machines that mysteriously eat just one sock from a pair, it’s a fantastic way to give those lonely singles a new purpose.

Instructions and Project Credit: CraftPassion

Reuse Tangled Lights

I’m sure we’re all well acquainted with the untangle-able ball of Christmas lights; if there are a few broken lights on the string then you may as well toss it and save yourself the frustration, right? Wrong. Since we don’t like being wasteful, you can keep that tangled mess as is and place it in a planter for some pretty outdoor lighting.

Instructions and Project Credit: BetterHomesAndGardens

Christmas Tree Slices

I’m somewhat of a memory hoarder in that I love keeping little trinkets that allow me to recall the fond memories of a specific event. If you have that same inclination and use fresh trees for Christmas every year, then you’ll love this idea: cut a slice off the trunk when it’s time to take down the tree which you can then decorate and keep as a reminder; you can even incorporate them in your decorating every year.

Instructions and Project Credit: Imgur:StinkyEastwood

 

Faux Gumball Machine

The original blogger uses this as a Valentine’s gift idea, but since the special round bottles only come out on Christmas, now will be the perfect time to use them. These adorable faux gumball machines make for a great kids’ craft that they can actually gift to their friends or teachers.

Instructions and Project Credit: MeetTheDubiens

Pinecone Owls

Fall and early winter are the ideal months to go foraging for fallen pinecones, so you should absolutely take advantage of nature’s beauty. There are lots of ways to Instructions and Project Credit: decorate with pinecones, but my favorite has to be these delightful little owls. They’re so easy to make, and will look absolutely adorable hanging from your tree.

Instructions and Project Credit: LiaGriffith

Frozen Whipped Cream

This is one of those incredibly genius yet simple ideas that you’re going to wonder how you lived without, and it’s ideal for the chilly festive season. Freeze and store little whipped cream dollops that you can pop into your coffee or your kid’s hot chocolate to make it extra rich and creamy. Yummmm.

Instructions and Project Credit: TheCreativeMama

Edible Christmas Lights

Yes, you read right – these cute little Christmas lights are made from candy that you can gobble right up (although you may not want to after seeing how well they turn out!). You can serve these as little treats just the way they are, or—and this is what I’m planning to do—use them as festive cupcake decorations.

Instructions and Project Credit: HungryHappenings

Ice Lanterns

I am head-over-heels in love with these gorgeous ice lanterns! Pop in some LED tea lights (so that there’s no heat to melt the ice) and use them to light up your stairs, entrance, or porch to give your guests a warm, Christmassy welcome.

Instructions and Project Credit: PracticallyFunctional

Christmas Scent

If making your home look Christmassy isn’t enough for you, you can make your home smell like Christmas with the help of some spices and essential oils contained in clear glass ornaments.

Instructions and Project Credit: KidsActivitiesBlog

Artificial Snow

A bit of artificial snow can really add to your indoor decorations, but you don’t necessarily have to go out and buy the stuff. Here are three quick and easy recipes to follow that make use of everyday products you’re likely to already have around the house.

Instructions and Project Credit: PureElla