If I’m being honest, Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year. It comes after the much beloved fall season, the joyous time of Thanksgiving dinner with dysfunctional families and then followed by discounted shopping on Black Friday. It’s three months back to back of glorious celebration! Being in college and trying to celebrate my favorite season proved to be difficult. During Thanksgiving break my family got our christmas tree and decorated our house for the holidays, but then I had to go back to school a couple of short days later. Then, I was at school for a full week of classes and then the universally hated finals week. How am I expected to celebrate when almost all of December is taken away with college stress?
I know that this next statement is going to sound crazy, but you’ve got to hear me out: I start decorating for Christmas on Nov. first. I know, I know, you’re probably cringing at the thought and labeling me as one of those crazy people, almost akin with those that leave their lights up for two (maybe even three) months after the holidays end. But the older I get, it seems that the months pass more and more quickly, including the best months of the year. I try to enjoy every day of the fall and holiday time period to the best of my ability. If I only decorate for Christmas immediately before or after Thanksgiving it feels like I have no time to enjoy it with going home for break, going back to school for a short time filled with cramming and lots of crying and then ultimately going home about a week or so before Christmas day.
Yes, I agree that stores put Christmas decorations out far too early sometimes but you can bet your money on me strolling through those aisles after I rip down all of my halloween decorations. As a (probably) broke college student you won’t want to spend much making your dorm or apartment feel a little more festive but you also don’t want to compromise on the cute factor either.
These are some of the must have Christmas decoration items for the best prices:
Stockings- The Dollar Tree has stockings- plain or decorative- for (obviously) only a dollar! Stockings are a great way to decorate an empty wall and if you have roommates it’s a cute way to give each other small gifts or even put your mail into during this holiday season!
Christmas tree- Walmart has plenty of pre-lit artificial christmas trees of varying heights for right around $20. Personally, I really enjoy having a tree in my apartment while I’m away from home. Without having a tree, it doesn’t really feel like christmas to me.
Christmas ornaments- Additionally, Walmart has many different colored ornaments that come in small tubs for less than $10. They also sell individual ornaments for varying prices. Hooks for ornaments and tinsel can be found for less than $5 at Walmart as well.
Wreaths- if you’re looking for a christmas wreath for your front door, bedroom door, or just for something festive to hang on the wall, the Dollar Tree has a great selection of wreaths. They come in different sizes and they even have colors other than the classic green. If you’re worried about getting an over the door hook for your wreath there are no worries because they also have those available.
Christmas lights- for less than $10 there are 100 counts of multi color or white christmas lights. These of course are great for any time of year but especially for the holiday season they are great for many different decorative projects!
Christmas dishware- Okay so it may not quite be decorative but having cute little santa dishes or mugs for this holiday season is always fun! Walmart has pretty inexpensive dishware for the holiday season that you just can’t beat. In addition to dishes, walmart and the Dollar Tree both have great holiday tea towels or even pot holders if you’re going to go all out.
Ultimately, at both Walmart and the Dollar Tree there are a ton of different decorations that are relatively or incredibly inexpensive. I could go on and on about decorative ideas for Christmas time but knowing that there are places to shop for your decorations is reassuring. It’s not hard to find ways to bring the holidays to your home away from home so that you can celebrate the holiday season with your friends before you go home to enjoy your traditions!