Deck the Halls.....but don't spend money...fa la la la la la la la la

Sing with me! Deck the halls but don't spend money, fa la la la la la la la la. Designer and accountant make this convo funny, fa la la la la la la la la.

Now that we've established that warm fuzzy holiday feeling, I feel I must fill you in on my holiday history since I married Mr. Efficient (wonderful, savvy, globally conscientious Mr. efficient that is.) 'Twas the year 2008. A newlywed youngster, I had only been in my new home a few short months. The designer in me, however, had my decor planned out for, well, I don't know....EVER.  When the time of year approached, the dear husband discussed with me that he did not intend to have a Christmas tree (partly due to our heavy holiday travel, and partly due to his struggle to justify spending money on decorating for our savior's birth when many of his children find themselves unable to maintain sufficient nourishment on a daily basis.)  Enter guilt, and sadness, and feelings of selfishness, and also feelings of "darn it, he is so right....AGAIN."

But, the elf inside me couldn't go without a bit of festivity.  Enter rushed and forced creativity.  I whipped out some cardboard letters spelling "peace" and threw on some glitter, made a clay nativity scene in which Joseph's head falling off was a routine occurrence, found some tacky Christmas candles the previous owner left behind (for apparent reasons.) and called it done!  Looking back, that year will always hold a memorable and wonderful place in my heart.

Fast forward a few years, and I've improved my game quite a bit.  I plan ahead a bit more, and my quality control has vastly improved.  I got some FREE garland and a yard sale over the SUMMER, and saved up my cereal boxes.  Call it the year of cardboard and paint. You laugh, but I must say, I think this year is the most festive yet!

I'll try to share some fun and free (or VERY inexpensive) ideas throughout the month to inspire your own holiday festivities.  In the meantime, here are some photos of a few of my Christmas creations this year.

(Don't mind the training potty...and, well, the toys? Let's just say we are emulating Santa's workshop this year.) Take note of the free garland.  I did break down and buy stocking this year, mainly because my sewing machine is in need of repair.

 This is our Christmas Card shelf. Aunt Bonnie's card is featured as well as our good friends, the Zimmermans. I must say, these two families are exemplary. Got the cards to us by Dec. 1st, and now I can enjoy them all holiday long.  Anyway.......I painted the artwork on an old bathroom shelf we took down during home demo.  The 3-d stars are cereal boxes scored, folded, and painted, a few votive candles, free garland, and I'm on my way to a less tacky DIY Christmas!

 One part of my design business that I absolutely L-O-V-E is making custom silk floral arrangements.
(To see more, visit my facebook page Kimberly Musser Design Consulting.) Anyway, these red roses were in my stash, and were begging me to become a festive touch.

 Enter cereal boxes once again! I made a Christmas tree forest to use as a long centerpiece.  I would love to have a burlap runner under it all.....but haven't found free burlap or random burlap laying around the house yet.  Either way, my little forest makes me smile each time I catch a glimpse of it.
And for those of you who are thinking "wow, she is SO creative".......stop, seriously stop that train of thought. Seriously 98% of these ideas came straight from the Pinterest queens.  Of course, I added my own creative flair......but these were SO NOT my original ideas.

Hudson gives an approving smile and Elliott gives Christmas a thumbs up! He is so excited about it all, and it is really fun to watch. Every time a new decoration comes out he squeals " YOOK MOM! IT'S MORE CHRISTMAS AT OUR HOUSE!"

  

May your days be merry and bright, and my your Christmas preparations be enjoyable and memorable.  I'll give a few more festive tips throughout the month, so keep checking back in!