Jingle bells! Batman smells! Robin laid an egg. Batmobile lost a wheel and Joker did ballet.
That camp song might feel nostalgic and silly, but it set the tone for our quick holiday decorating this year. With a move on the horizon in mid-December, we wanted to celebrate Clara’s first Christmas even if it’s only for a short while. I pulled out the stockings, set up a few extra decorations beyond the tree, and embraced a small, inexpensive refresh to make the space feel festive.
We already had feather trees from Target and a local shop, and the same Target stockings we’ve used for the past few seasons. Since those pieces are a few years old, I wanted to introduce something new that wouldn’t cost much. Inspired by my pink and silver tree aesthetic, I bought two sheets of pretty wrapping paper from a neighborhood gift shop and a roll of silver paper. Then I raided our stash of empty boxes and ribbon—because I save gift boxes and ribbons—and found a nice collection of pink and silver ribbon that matched perfectly.
Using supplies I already had and the new sheets of paper, I wrapped eleven faux gifts—empty boxes dressed up to add charm under the trees. The entire project cost about seven dollars for paper. The result feels sweet and a little vintage, and because some of the paper includes a touch of yellow, the faux gifts tie in nicely with the yellow rug in the room. They look cheerful enough that I’m tempted to save them and reuse them every year.
To add a finishing touch, I tied a gold ribbon around our concrete greyhound statue so he could join in the holiday fun. It was an easy detail that made the figure feel part of the display without much effort.
I also made small cardstock tags for each stocking—John and I share one tagged “Mom & Dad” so Clara and Burger each have their own tag. I tied matching ribbon around the tags so they relate visually to the wrapped faux gifts. It only took a couple of minutes and helped the stockings look more intentional and coordinated.
With candles in the fireplace and the trees lit, the room feels cozier and more festive. Even though our decorations will be up only briefly before we start packing, taking the time to put things out made the space feel special and celebratory for Clara’s first holiday.
Decorating on a tight timeline or with a move looming doesn’t mean you can’t create a warm, festive atmosphere. A few inexpensive updates—wrapping empty boxes in coordinated paper, adding small tags and ribbons, and incorporating a favorite accent like a statue or a colorful rug—can make a big visual impact without spending a lot of time or money.
Are you decorating yet this year? Now that it’s officially December, I feel more comfortable bringing out the holiday cheer early. If you’re moving soon but still want to enjoy some seasonal touches, try focusing on a couple of small projects that are easy to assemble, transport, and reuse. Simple elements like matching paper and ribbon, a few well-placed faux gifts, and personalized stocking tags deliver a festive feel and can be packed up quickly when it’s time to move.
Psst — for more holiday decorating and gifting ideas, look through holiday project galleries and curated decor lists to find inspiration and budget-friendly options that suit your style. Ho, ho, ho.
Update: Consider a favorites list of affordable holiday decor items—many great options are available for under $15 that still deliver a festive impact.