Creating a Cozy Christmas on a Small Scale Homestead
This holiday season at Olden Oasis is dedicated to a no-spend approach. That's right—zero expenditure! This means no spending on Christmas gifts or any other non-essential items. Allow me to explain the rationale behind this decision.
The holiday season often brings stress and anxiety, and this year, these feelings are exacerbated by the rising costs of goods. Therefore, I have chosen to embrace a no-spend holiday. However, this does not mean that we cannot create beautiful experiences or celebrate in unique ways without incurring costs. The commercialization of Christmas has reached its limits for me, and if you feel the same, I would like to share some of my zero-spend ideas with you.
Decorating Your Homestead
When it comes to decorating your small scale homestead for Christmas, simplicity is key. Opt for natural decorations like pine cones, holly branches, and dried oranges. Hang up some string lights and maybe even make your own garland out of popcorn or cranberries!
DIY Ornaments
Gather some pine cones, twine, and a hot glue gun to create your own rustic ornaments. You can also make salt dough ornaments by mixing flour, salt, and water together, shaping them into festive shapes, and baking them in the oven.
Homemade Treats
Instead of buying store-bought treats, why not make your own? Bake some cookies, make some hot cocoa from scratch, or even try your hand at making homemade candy canes. Not only will your treats taste better, but they'll also add a personal touch to your Christmas celebrations.
Gift Giving
Get creative with your gift giving this year. Consider giving homemade gifts like knitted scarves, homemade candles, or even jars of homemade jam. Not only will your gifts be unique, but they'll also show your loved ones how much you care.
Cozy Activities
Christmas is the perfect time to cozy up by the fire and spend time with loved ones. Consider hosting a holiday movie marathon, having a cookie decorating party, or even going on a winter hike to enjoy the beauty of the season. Remember, it's the simple moments that make the holidays special and not the amount of money you spend!