home made christmas decor

home made christmas decor

Let’s face it – even during Christmas – that most special time of the year – we still want to look good and keep up with the neighbors. With the amount of time and money that people spend on outdoor Christmas lighting and holiday decorations, this can be kind of hard to do. I was surprised to find out that many of my neighbors start planning their lighted outdoor Christmas decorations months ahead of time. Gone are the days when it was as simple as running a string of lights along the roof and making a snowman in the front yard. Nowadays, if you don’t spend weeks decorating, it looks like you have put in almost no effort at all!

Fortunately, for those of us that are short on time, there are some great shortcuts to Christmas decorating. The very best one, in my opinion, is using animated outdoor Christmas decorations. I first discovered them a few years ago when one of my friends was putting up his Christmas light display. I was surprised to see him covering his lawn with silhouettes made of stiff wire. When I asked him about it, he told me to wait. He was proud of the work that he had put in to the animated outdoor Christmas decorations, and wanted to show me the finished product instead of simply explaining it to me.

Let me tell you, it was really worth the wait! The effect was absolutely stunning. The animated outdoor Christmas decoration was actually a moving animation of Santa Claus driving his reindeer. They would move across the lawn, Santa raising his whip to spur the beasts into action as they leapt dramatically on. It was classic and high-tech at the same time. It was, in short, just what I was looking for in my Christmas decor.

Of course, animated outdoor Christmas decorations come in many different styles. I prefer the look of animated wire, but some people like to go a lot further than that. I have a neighbor who actually has an electric powered carousel with reindeer moving around inside of it. It is not something that you can ride, of course, but it does make quite an impression. The whole thing flashes and glows with red and green lights and can even be programmed to play Christmas carols. When it comes to animated outdoor Christmas decorations, the sky really is the limit.

Fred & Friends Freeze Handgun-Shaped Ice-Cube Tray $1.99 Fred & Friends Freeze! Handgun Ice Tray....

Fred Cool Jewels Ice Cube Tray $4.99 Fred & Friends Cool Jewels Ice Cube Tray....

The Hillary Nutcracker $6.99 HCN1 Features: -Nutcracker.-Stainless steel teeth secured inside upper legs to grip and crack nuts in their shell.-Note : Not recommended for the dishwasher and for children under the age of 12. Construction: -Plastic and stainless steel construction. Dimensions: -Overall dimensions: 9'' H x 6'' W x 2'' D....

God Made Me Do It $3.48 1989 Warner Bros. release...

10 Plastic Flip Flop Party String Lights Beach Luau $7.00 Set of 10 3" long Flip Flop Lights. Light up your luau or your year-round tree with these flip flop lights! For indoor and outdoor use, they'd also be fun for a party with a surfing or beach theme. A total of 8 feet in length. Get a few more to string around your porch or a kid's bedroom. The interconnecting 8'L cord includes ten 3"L plastic lights. UL Listed. For indoor or outdoor use....

FAITH MAKES ALL THINGS POSSIBLE, LOVE MAKES ALL THINGS EASY, HOPE MAKES ALL THINGS WORK Vinyl wall quotes religious sayings scriptures home art decor decal $2.50 Wall quotes are one of the latest trends in home decor. This new fashion is the perfect way to express yourself or add that little extra touch to a room without breaking the bank. Vinyl wall quotes give the look of a hand-painted word, quote, or saying without the cost, time, and permanent paint on your wall. They are easy to apply and can be easily removed without damaging your walls. Our quotes ...

LED Projectables 11282 Auto-On/Off LED Plug-In Nightlight with Globe Projector, Solar System $6.97 Light Bulb:LED Globe rotates to project solar system on ceiling, the LED Planets Night Light projects a 3ft (approx.) solar system on 8 to 12 ceiling. Light sensing- on at dusk, off at dawn. Cool to the touch Long life LED - no bulbs to replace...

Vanilla 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil- 10 ml $5.75 ...

The Light Garden Lighted Willow Branch ...

Ore Originals Living Goods Shower Cap Quack! $8.79 No bath is complete without a rubber ducky...show some love for your web-footed friend with the Quack! shower cap. Make a fashion statement when you shower with a duckie patterned shower cap from Living Goods®. Made from environmentally friendly PVC-free frosted EVA and sized to fit most noggins. Packaged in a nifty, re-usable zipper-lock pouch....

Club Pack of 12 Chic Botanical Decorative Succulent Southwestern Picks $79.99 From the Chic Botanical Collection Item #38458 Flowers are perfect for use as an accent piece in your home For indoor use only - if used outdoors place under a covered area Dimensions: 4-7"H Material(s): polyethylene Pack of 12 - includes 3 of each style shown NOTE: Pots are not included as shown in the photo....

Adorable Ladybug Lady Bug Piggy Bank Great Gift $5.95 Who could resist saving their coins in this adorable bank?...

God Couldn't be Everywhere...So He made Grandmas! - Picture Frame Gift $7.99 Fun to give, fun to receive...these affordable picture frames are an easy gift and a great way to share photos. Choose from a huge selection of sentiments for every gift-giving occasion. Original designs from Northwest artists are reproduced on archival cover stock and then hand-assembled on a lightweight yet durable resin easel back. Everything is produced locally in Oregon. An optional custom gi...

Clara And The Nutcracker Musical Egg by The Bradford Exchange $49.99 Peter Carl Faberge-style Musical Egg Celebrates a Holiday Classic with the Combined Splendor of Three Artistic Legacies! - Experience the combined splendor of three artistic legacies! This exquisite Peter Carl Faberge-style musical egg is a magical tribute to a holiday classic, "The Nutcracker Ballet," and features an all-original design showcasing masterful Russian Palekh artwork! Inside you'll f...

Women's Sexy Mrs. Claus Red with Faux Fur Knee High Christmas Boots - Size 8 $9.99 Women's Sexy Mrs. Claus Knee High Boots Item #GOGO-FUR Color: shiny red and white Size: 8 Shiny red boots with faux fur Closes with a zipper that runs the entire length of the boot Heel height: 3" high Material(s): faux leather/faux fur...

Women's Sexy Mrs. Claus White with Faux Fur Knee High Christmas Boots - Size 14 $9.99 Women's Sexy Mrs. Claus Knee High Boots Item #GOGO-FUR Color: shiny white with white fur Size: 14 Shiny white boots with faux fur Closes with a zipper that runs the entire length of the boot (Please note shoe runs small, please order 1 size up) Heel height: 3" high Material(s): faux leather/faux fur...

Women's Sexy Mrs. Claus White with Faux Fur Knee High Christmas Boots - Size 11 $9.99 Women's Sexy Mrs. Claus Knee High Boots Item #GOGO-FUR Color: shiny white with white fur Size: 11 Shiny white boots with faux fur Closes with a zipper that runs the entire length of the boot (Please note shoe runs small, please order 1 size up) Heel height: 3" high Material(s): faux leather/faux fur...

Skateboard Wall Art, Wood with Backlight, Black Finish. Handcrafted in the U.S.A. $88.40 This "off the wall" Fun Shadow is perfect for any skater's room. The near 3D effect of the backlight will "grab" their attention, and the quality of the product will have you stoked. Handcrafted of wood, and made in the USA. Don't be poser -- own a Fun Shadow!...

6.5 NFL San Francisco 49ers Football Clock and Pen Office Desk Set $44.99 San Francisco 49ers Desk Set Item #17836 Officially licensed merchandise This collectible piece has the team mascot perched on top of a football with your team name and official logo The football sits on a wooden base with a pen and pen holder Features a clock on the backside of the football Dimensions: 6.5"H Material(s): resin/metal...

15 NFL Cleveland Browns Happy Holidays Snowman Christmas Wreath $38.99 Cleveland Browns Christmas Wreath Item #30466 Officially licensed merchandise Wreath features a snowman couple dressed in your teams official colors and logos Adorned with berries and snowflakes Dimensions: 15" diameter Material(s): PVC/polyester/wood Comes ready-to-hang with a hook on the backside...

Hand Embroidered Floral Wallet - Fair Trade $28.00 These radiant checkbook wallets are crafted from recycled traditional Mayan blouse.  The beautiful embroidery is all hand done and the details are impeccable.  Organizer includes three inside pockets, one with a zipper closure and credit card slots....

Red Dog I Love Our Heroes Patriotic Tote Bag w/WWII image USA Made by FlagClothes $29.00 Could this be any cutier? I say no....! What a fun adorable bag to carry whatever you decide. A teacher, mom, sister, daugher, etc... would be so fun and hip carrying this tote around. Plus how good do you feel that our products are USA MADE! Fun novelty bag for all....

Rosie the Riveter We Can Do It! Patriotic Tote Bag w/ WWII image USA Made by FlagClothes $29.00 Could this be any cutier? Pefect for whatever you decide to carry in this Nostalgic Tote bag. Perfect for Mom, Sister, Daughter, anyone who likes something unique and special! All made 100% in America!...

Fa la la la Felt: 45 Handmade Holiday Decorations $6.20 STERLING PUBLISHING-Lark Books: Fa La La La Felt. 'Tis the season to be crafty! You don't have to an expert seamstress to be creative for Christmas. Just use felt! Thanks to some crafty designers; this book includes 45 festive felt projects to decorate for the holidays. Including both machine-sewn; hand-sewn; and no-sew; this book is a must have of instructions and beautiful photos. Softcover: 132...

Southern Lady: Gracious Tables: The Perfect Setting for Any Occasion $20.82 Entertaining doyenne Phyllis Hoffman shows how to prepare a stunning table for any occasion. So many of the events of our lives, from the formal to the informal, are celebrated by gathering around a table. Whatever the occasion—whether it's a holiday dinner, Sunday brunch, or a casual lunch with friends—the table is the place where we relax and enjoy each other's company while savor...

Simply Handmade: 365 Easy Gifts & Decorations You Can Make (Crafts) $4.54 This inspirational book of craft ideas for crafters and non-crafters alike contains complete instructions for 365 easy-to-make gifts and decorations....

Bull Dog Bulldog Puppy Ceiling Fan Pull Pulls Set of 2 $9.90 Bulldog puppy ceiling fan pulls. Just the extra special item you need for your dog decor! And you get 2! One for the fan and one for the light....

Beagle Puppy Dog Ceiling Fan Pull Pulls (2) $9.90 Beagle Puppy Fan Pulls! These guys are just too cute! And you get 2! One for the fan and one for the light!...

Bull Terrier Puppy Dog Fan Pull Pulls (2) $9.90 Bull Terrier ceiling fan pull. Cute as the dickens, these pups are made of resin. And you get 2! 1 for the fan and one for the light....

Pack of 5 GE Telephone Base Cords -14 Feet - Almond $14.99 Telephone Base Cords by GE Item #59263 Adds length to your phone's base cord, allowing you to put your phone where you really want it Easy to install and simple to use. 14 foot long almond colored cord...

Fred & Friends Freeze Handgun-Shaped Ice-Cube Tray $1.99 Fred & Friends Freeze! Handgun Ice Tray....

Fred Cool Jewels Ice Cube Tray $4.99 Fred & Friends Cool Jewels Ice Cube Tray....

The Hillary Nutcracker $6.99 HCN1 Features: -Nutcracker.-Stainless steel teeth secured inside upper legs to grip and crack nuts in their shell.-Note : Not recommended for the dishwasher and for children under the age of 12. Construction: -Plastic and stainless steel construction. Dimensions: -Overall dimensions: 9'' H x 6'' W x 2'' D....

God Made Me Do It $3.48 1989 Warner Bros. release...

10 Plastic Flip Flop Party String Lights Beach Luau $7.00 Set of 10 3" long Flip Flop Lights. Light up your luau or your year-round tree with these flip flop lights! For indoor and outdoor use, they'd also be fun for a party with a surfing or beach theme. A total of 8 feet in length. Get a few more to string around your porch or a kid's bedroom. The interconnecting 8'L cord includes ten 3"L plastic lights. UL Listed. For indoor or outdoor use....

FAITH MAKES ALL THINGS POSSIBLE, LOVE MAKES ALL THINGS EASY, HOPE MAKES ALL THINGS WORK Vinyl wall quotes religious sayings scriptures home art decor decal $2.50 Wall quotes are one of the latest trends in home decor. This new fashion is the perfect way to express yourself or add that little extra touch to a room without breaking the bank. Vinyl wall quotes give the look of a hand-painted word, quote, or saying without the cost, time, and permanent paint on your wall. They are easy to apply and can be easily removed without damaging your walls. Our quotes ...

LED Projectables 11282 Auto-On/Off LED Plug-In Nightlight with Globe Projector, Solar System $6.97 Light Bulb:LED Globe rotates to project solar system on ceiling, the LED Planets Night Light projects a 3ft (approx.) solar system on 8 to 12 ceiling. Light sensing- on at dusk, off at dawn. Cool to the touch Long life LED - no bulbs to replace...

Vanilla 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil- 10 ml $5.75 ...

The Light Garden Lighted Willow Branch ...

Ore Originals Living Goods Shower Cap Quack! $8.79 No bath is complete without a rubber ducky...show some love for your web-footed friend with the Quack! shower cap. Make a fashion statement when you shower with a duckie patterned shower cap from Living Goods®. Made from environmentally friendly PVC-free frosted EVA and sized to fit most noggins. Packaged in a nifty, re-usable zipper-lock pouch....

Nightmare Before Christmas Halloween Wall Diorama $29.99 Great for Christmas AND Halloween! Features the famous residents of Halloweentown! A great piece to decorate your home! This three dimensional art features Jack, Zero and other The Nightmare Before Christmas characters in a wall-hanging diorama. Measures over 8-inches wide! Spice up your home decor today!

Christmas Cowboy Figurine by Alessi $44 Giddyup, Rudolph! The Alessi Christmas Cowboy Figurine, created as a companion to the whimsical "Precepe" Collection, is part of the playful family of Christmas characters brought to life surrounding the Alessi Nativity Scene project of 2007. Made of porcelain and hand-painted in a joyful celebration of contemporary art, this take on the jolly St. Nick will bring a smile and a whistle to any holiday Scrooge. Designed by the Laura Polinoro Workshop and Massimo Giacon. Alessi, known as the Italian design factory, has manufactured household products since 1921, the stylish and fun items offered are the result of contemporary partnerships with some of the world's best designers of unique and modern home accessories. The Alessi Christmas Cowboy Figurine is available with the following: Details:Hand-painted PorcelainDesigned by the Laura Polinoro Workshop and Massimo GiaconShipping: In Stock items ship within 1 business day. Others usually ship within 2 weeks unless otherwise noted. Dimensions: Item: Height 4.3 In., Length 3.1 In., Width 1.6 In.

Nightmare Before Christmas Pajama Jack Water Globe $26.99 From Halloweentown to your home! High-quality and hand-painted! Relive your favorite moments from The Nightmare Before Christmas! From Halloweentown to your home, spread some holiday cheer with this Nightmare Before Christmas Pajama Jack Water Globe! Made from high-quality resin and hand-painted. This water globe features Jack Skellington in pajama from Tim Burton's classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. Ages 14 and up.Order yours today!

Nightmare Before Christmas Eve Water Globe $26.99 From Halloweentown to your home! High-quality and hand-painted! Relive your favorite moments from The Nightmare Before Christmas! From Halloweentown to your home, spread some holiday cheer with this Nightmare Before Christmas Xmas Eve Jack Water Globe! Made from high-quality resin and hand-painted. This water globe features Jack Skellington from Tim Burton's classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. Ages 14 and up. Order yours today!

Nightmare Before Christmas Santa Jack Water Globe $26.99 From Halloweentown to your home! High-quality and hand-painted! Relive your favorite moments from The Nightmare Before Christmas! From Halloweentown to your home, spread some holiday cheer with this Nightmare Before Christmas Santa Jack Water Globe! Made from high-quality resin and hand-painted. This water globe features Santa Jack overlooking Xmas town, from Tim Burton's classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. Ages 14 and up. Order yours today!

Nightmare Before Christmas Santa Jack Water Ball $26.99 From Halloweentown to your home! High-quality and hand-painted! Relive your favorite moments from The Nightmare Before Christmas ! From Halloweentown to your home, spread some holiday cheer with this Nightmare Before Christmas Santa Jack Water Ball! Made from high-quality resin and hand-painted, this water ball features Jack Skellington as "Sandy Claws", from Tim Burton's classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. Approximately 7-inches tall. Order yours today!

Nightmare Before Christmas Snowflake Jack Water Ball $26.99 From Halloweentown to your home! High-quality and hand-painted! Relive your favorite moments from The Nightmare Before Christmas ! From Halloweentown to your home, spread some holiday cheer with this Nightmare Before Christmas Snowflake Jack Water Ball! Made from high-quality resin and hand-painted, this water ball features Jack Skellington holding a snowflake, from Tim Burton's classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. Approximately 7-inches all. Order yours today!

Christmas Story 40-Inch Leg Lamp Prop Replica $239.99 Be careful. It's FRA-GI-LE! Class up your front window just like "The Old Man" did. Start a "legendary battle of the lamp" at your house today! Peace, harmony, comfort, and joy... maybe next year. The classic comedy A Christmas Story is honored with this full-size Leg Lamp Prop Replica! Standing 40-inches tall, this unforgettable piece of the movie lights up and everything! It illuminates from 2 areas (leg and bulb) and would be a hilarious addition to your home decor. The funniest thing about Christmas, according to Jean Shepherd's over-the-top holiday comedy, is spending it with your own family. Now the funniest things about Christmas are these first ever collectibles from the beloved, holiday classic.

Nightmare Before Christmas Jack and Oogie Boogie Water Ball $26.99 From Halloweentown to your home! High-quality and hand-painted! Relive your favorite moments from The Nightmare Before Christmas ! From Halloweentown to your home, spread some holiday cheer with this Nightmare Before Christmas Jack and Oogie Boogie Water Ball! Made from high-quality resin and hand-painted, this water ball features Jack Skellington and the villainous Oogie Boogie from Tim Burton's classic The Nightmare Before Christmas . Approximately 7-inches tall. Order yours today!

Nightmare Before Christmas Chimney Santa Jack Water Globe $26.99 From Halloweentown to your home! High-quality and hand-painted! Relive your favorite moments from The Nightmare Before Christmas! From Halloweentown to your home, spread some holiday cheer with this Nightmare Before Christmas Chimney Santa Jack Water Globe! Made from high-quality resin and hand-painted. This water globe features Santa Jack from Tim Burton's classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. Measures about 5-inches tall. Order yours today! Ages 14 and up.

Actually, I’m finding that Big Lots and Dollar Stores have way cheaper holiday decorations this year than WalMart. Check the landscaping around your yard and your neighbors. I have 3 pine trees on my property and often trim the boughs to make wreaths and garlands. You can use the 3M command hooks and some floral wire to connect several together and hang a garland from a mantel, around doors and at the edge of shelves. My neighbor grows Cypress and Cedar bushes and will let me take boughs off of them as long as I don’t do a hatchet job. So ask your neighbors if you can trim their bushes! You can use all kinds of things around the house to decorate them. Buttons, beads from broken jewelry, ribbons saved from gifts…