From Stressed to Blessed: Crafting Your Own Holiday Cheer for Less

Beat the holiday blues this season by channeling your creativity in budget-friendly ways. Financial and emotional stress is on the rise as the whirlwind of festivity fast approaches, but cultivating joy and self-love through crafting is an excellent way to both unwind and escape from the commercialism so prevalent in today’s society. Here are a few holiday handcrafts that will help you slow down and enjoy your own silent night this year.

Dried Orange Christmas ornaments

Want a beautiful, natural holiday decoration that doesn’t break the bank? Look no further than your own pantry. These thrifty ornaments can be strung into a garland or hung on a tree and are a perfect craft for the little ones too! All you need is parchment paper, a cookie sheet, sliced oranges or other citrus fruits, and twine, ribbon, ornament hooks, or wire to hang your oranges. The Quick Journey blog has excellent tips and tricks to make these simple, scented wonders.

Homemade Gingerbread House

Gingerbread cookies are a staple of the season, as is decorating and eating the results of your labor. Store-bought gingerbread houses can get expensive, so why not make your own using common household ingredients? It will taste better, be less expensive, and allow you to slow down and enjoy the process, whether you are an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen. I like this recipe and free template provided by Sally’s Baking Recipes.

Christmas Simmer Pot

Decorating and hosting during the holiday season can be overwhelming and stressful, but why not create a relaxing winter-themed simmer pot to set the mood and fill your home with lovely, sweet scents that will bring a smile to the faces of family and friends alike? Simply throw your ingredients into a pot with water and simmer on the stove. Happy Healthy Mama has some wonderful directions for making your home smell fabulous.

Take the time this holiday season to reflect, relax and relive all the beautiful moments from the year. ‘Tis the season to ditch holiday stress and commercialism and focus on what matters most, creating memories that will last a lifetime.