Ho Ho, Hos! Before You Buy New Christmas Decorations, Try the Ones You Hate
An old wreath, a little gold ribbon, and a reminder that holiday decorating doesn’t require starting over.
For years, I’ve owned a gifted Christmas wreath I didn’t particularly like. The ornaments were already attached, their color combination never quite worked for me, and the flocking had yellowed with age. I’m not fond of flocked decorations in the first place. Time had not improved our relationship.
Then I added gold ribbon and an electric candle from Dollar Tree.
Now I love the damned thing.
The broad loops of ribbon gave those mismatched ornaments something in common. The candle created a glowing focal point in the center. Even the aged flocking looked more at home among the warm gold tones.
The wreath didn’t need replacing. It needed a little help.
Start with what’s already in the box
Before buying a new collection, put out the decorations you own. Look at them individually instead of assuming they must return to their assigned places.
An ornament you dislike on the tree might look lovely in a bowl. Ribbon left from wrapping gifts might soften a wreath or dress up a vase. A familiar decoration can feel surprisingly different in another room.
Try grouping things by one shared color, material, or mood. They don’t all have to match. Sometimes a repeated touch of gold is enough to make an assortment look intentional.
Give yourself one small decorating mission
Instead of “buy new Christmas decorations,” try something specific:
Give an old wreath a focal point.
Gather scattered ornaments into one arrangement.
Use a scarf or fabric remnant beneath a tabletop display.
Move an existing battery-operated candle into a decoration that needs a little glow.
Make the first attempt with things already in the house. If something is still missing, you’ll have a better idea of what would actually help.
A small purchase should solve a small problem
My wreath needed ribbon and a candle. It didn’t need matching garland, six coordinating cushions, and an entirely new holiday personality.
“Extremely inexpensive” still means money, and a basket of little bargains can become a purchase you didn’t intend to make. Set a total you’re comfortable spending—even if that total is zero—and let that be enough.
You also have permission to leave some decorations in the box. Owning something doesn’t require displaying it every December.
The goal is a home you enjoy looking at. This year, one of my favorite decorations may turn out to be the wreath I’ve hated for years.
Apparently, we just needed to introduce it to the right ribbon. And a buck fifty glow-up. Happy Holla Gays!
And, if you are just dying for a little new to you Christmas decor, do hit up the clearance section at my online Avon shop for last year's decor pieces at crazy budget loving prices. Hey, it's new to you. And it's freaking gorgeous. Here's one little example I have been dying to have for myself...
Step into Santa’s sweet shop! This delightful tabletop décor lights up and plays eight holiday tunes, as Santa pops out to welcome one and all to this sugar wonderland! Plastic. 9 ⅝" L x 6 ⅞" D x 10 ½" H. Imported.
Plays These Holiday Favorites:
• “Jingle Bells”
• “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
• “Silent Night”
• “Deck the Halls”
• “Joy to the World”
• “The First Noel”
• “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
• “O Christmas Tree”
TO OPERATE:
• On/off switch for lights, sound and movement or lights with movement.
• Takes three AA batteries (not included).
• 4.5V 5000mA DC jack (adapter not included).
• For decorative use only. Keep out of reach of children.
If you order from my online shop I get a small commission and you get gorgeous stuff! Bonus!
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