I had three goals in regards to holiday decorating this year: spend no money, do less and use only natural decorations. I can get so excited about projects to make and wind up staying so busy that before I realize it the season is over. This year I really want to do less and be here more.
Full disclosure - we did buy a live tree, I wasn't about to run off into the woods and illegally dig one up.
I also had already purchased a dozen egg gourds from Etsy seller Midnightcoiler for $8. My son and I painted them a few nights ago with watercolors and then drilled holes and added wires to hang.
Everything else we found and made. The burlap around the tree base I already had laying around and the pine cones, acorns and other green branches that we made garland out of were gifts from the great outdoors.
The only thing that will be added for our upcoming Winter Solstice/Christmas/Hanukkah party will be many little tea light candles that we already have in our closet -- purchased in bulk from Ikea several years ago.
Off to have another fire and drink hot cocoa...