Gone are the days when we had the time, energy, and money to deck the halls for the kids and family.
Yet, a little festive decor does tend to brighten a winter evening.
Here are some super easy and very cheap ways to usher in the season.
* Cranberry floaters. Get out a pretty clear glass or vase. Maybe put a sprig of real or plastic evergreen in the bottom and fill with water. On the top, load it up with Christmasy red cranberries. It will last for weeks.
* Christmas candy. Get some old fashioned hard Christmas candy for your table and pour it into a pretty dish. Try a covered dish if your feline friend scouts around the table!
* Super cheap LED lights. You can buy a string of multi-colored LED lights for under a buck at aliexpress.com. That's right — about 99 cents. Use some tape to attach them to a window frame or anywhere you want. They are powered by USB, generally the same cable that powers a phone.
* Set a pretty table with nice placemats, pretty dishes, and candles. Leave it out the whole month and then use it on Christmas with a special dinner.
* Put a Christmas wreath on the inside of your door!
* Get a pre-lit tabletop tree. Just a foot or so tall, they use very little electricity, but deliver the right festive mood.
Allyson Good curates senior living, health, and family content. She is formerly the Managing Editor of Active Life, a print newspaper published in 2016-2017 for seniors, choosing practical articles on health, money, safety, and everyday living for older readers. She is also an avid gardener and offers up Garden Hints and Tips on a regular basis.
