Affordable decorations to make your Christmas tree shine bright

Christmas songs have started playing in the cafeteria. It is now the time of year when we students can look forward to a month long vacation full of no responsibilities whatsoever.

However, Christmas time also means spending money. We feel the need to buy gifts for our parents, siblings, friends and various other relatives who come to visit. As college kids, most of us are already broke. So who has money left over after buying gifts for everyone to decorate a pinterest-worthy Christmas tree?

In answer to this dilemma, here are a few ideas for inexpensive decorations to use this Christmas that will make your tree the envy of all of your relatives. Enjoy!

When I was a little kid, my siblings and I always made homemade ornaments to decorate our tree. One of my favorite ornaments that I made — and still hang on my tree every year — is a candy cane reindeer. All you need is a candy cane (which I am sure you will have plenty of lying around the house), googly eyes, and a pipe cleaner. Simply wrap the pipe cleaner around the curved part of the cane, twist it to resemble antlers and then glue on the eyes. It is super easy and adorable!

If you are looking for an ornament that is a little more grown-up and elegant, I suggest making paper origami ornaments. Depending on what pattern you choose, these ornaments can be a little tough to make but they are worth the effort. Look up the pattern you want to make online. Then, find some pretty stationery that you have lying around the house and start folding! If you want to be even more festive, you could use leftover scraps of wrapping paper to make your masterpieces.

Ornaments are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to improve your Christmas tree. Break out all of your old crafting materials, pull up pinterest and have fun! And if you like the look of the round ornaments, you can buy inexpensive clear plastic ones and decorate them however you like. Paint them, draw on them, fill them—the possibilities are endless.  

Besides hanging ornaments, you can also decorate your tree with ribbon. If you’re a member, Sam’s Club sells large rolls of ribbon for low prices. Buy whatever color of ribbon you like and wrap it around your tree. Adding ribbon to your tree makes the decorations look more expensive and eye-catching.

A popcorn garland is another inexpensive (and delicious) decoration that you can add to your tree. People with animals and young children may have to skip this one. But if you are animal and children free, all you need is a bowl of popcorn, some string and a needle. Adding popcorn garland to your tree is easy and reminds people of the good old days.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on your tree. With a little bit of work, you can do pretty much anything on a budget. Good luck and Merry Christmas!