Tag: DIY

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Start Working on Holiday Lights | A comprehensive Guide| Day 15 of 60 Holiday Prep for Thanksgiving and Christmas

Holiday Lights for 2025

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread cheer than by adorning your home with beautiful Christmas lights? Whether you live in a cozy one-bedroom apartment or a spacious three-bedroom house, there are plenty of ways to create a festive atmosphere without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll explore budgeting for lights and electricity, decorating themes for 2025, installation timeframes, and safety tips to ensure your holiday decorating is both joyful and safe.

Budgeting for Christmas Lights

One-Bedroom Apartment

  • Lights Budget: $50 – $100
  • String lights: $20 – $40
  • Accent lights (like LED candles or small decorations): $30 – $60
  • Electricity Cost: Approximately $10 – $20
  • Expect an increase of about $5 – $10 per month for the holiday season.

Two-Bedroom Apartment

  • Lights Budget: $100 – $200
  • String lights: $40 – $80
  • Additional decorations (like wreaths or window lights): $60 – $120
  • Electricity Cost: Approximately $15 – $30
  • An increase of about $10 – $15 per month.

Three-Bedroom House

  • Lights Budget: $200 – $500
  • String lights: $80 – $150
  • Outdoor decorations (like inflatable figures or larger displays): $120 – $350
  • Electricity Cost: Approximately $30 – $60
  • An increase of about $20 – $30 per month.

Decorating Themes for 2025

As we step into 2025, several exciting themes are trending for Christmas decorations:

  1. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: Using solar-powered lights and biodegradable decorations is becoming increasingly popular.
  2. Vintage Charm: Retro colors and classic designs evoke nostalgia, with warm whites and soft pastels leading the way.
  3. Minimalist Elegance: Simple, clean lines with a focus on natural materials and subtle lighting create a serene holiday atmosphere.
  4. Whimsical Wonderland: Bright colors, playful designs, and fun characters bring a sense of joy and playfulness to your decor.

Installation Timeframes

  • One-Bedroom Apartment: Expect to spend about 1-2 hours setting up your lights, especially if you’re keeping it minimal.
  • Two-Bedroom Apartment: Allocate around 2-4 hours for a more elaborate setup, including both internal and external decorations.
  • Three-Bedroom House: Depending on the complexity, it can take anywhere from 4-8 hours to fully decorate, especially if you’re incorporating outdoor lighting.

Safety Tips and Hazards to Avoid

When putting up Christmas lights, safety should always be a priority. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

  1. Check for Damage: Inspect all lights and cords for frays or damage before use. Discard any that are not in good condition.
  2. Use Indoor/Outdoor Rated Lights: Ensure that your lights are rated for the environment in which you’re using them. Indoor lights should not be used outside.
  3. Avoid Overloading Circuits: Be mindful of how many lights you plug into a single outlet. Overloading can lead to tripped breakers or even fires.
  4. Secure Your Ladder: If you’re using a ladder to hang lights, ensure it’s stable and positioned on a flat surface. Never lean too far to one side.
  5. Keep Decorations Away from Heat Sources: Ensure that lights are not placed near flammable materials or heat sources to prevent fire hazards.
  6. Turn Off Lights When Not Home: To save energy and reduce fire risks, turn off your lights when you’re not home or use a timer.

Decorating your home with Christmas lights is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. By planning your budget, choosing a theme that resonates with you, and following safety guidelines, you can enjoy a beautifully lit home without the stress. So gather your lights, get creative, and let your holiday spirit shine bright!

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DIY: Create Your Advent’s Calendar | Day 10 of 60 | Preparing for the Holidays

Advents Calendars don’t have to be filled with chocolate or bought in the store

Crafting Your Own Advent Calendar: Creative Ideas and Gift Suggestions

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and anticipation, and what better way to count down the days to Christmas than with a DIY advent calendar? While traditional calendars often feature chocolates or candies, you can get creative and design one that suits your style and preferences. Whether you choose to use envelopes, boxes, or bags, the possibilities are endless! Here’s how to create your own advent calendar and some thoughtful gift ideas to include.

1. Creating an Advent Calendar with Envelopes

Using envelopes is a simple and versatile way to create an advent calendar. Here’s how to do it:

Materials Needed:

  • 24 small envelopes (you can decorate them with festive designs)
  • String or ribbon for hanging
  • Clothespins or tape
  • Small gifts or notes to fill the envelopes

Instructions:

  1. Decorate the Envelopes: Use markers, stickers, or washi tape to personalize each envelope. Number them from 1 to 24 for the days leading up to Christmas.
  2. Fill the Envelopes: Instead of sweets, consider filling each envelope with small gifts, notes, or even cash. For example, I created an advent calendar filled with money to spend after Christmas on holiday shopping. This gives me extra spending money for post-holiday sales and avoids the temptation of extra chocolates or candies in the house.
  3. Display Your Calendar: Hang the envelopes on a string or ribbon using clothespins, or arrange them on a shelf or table for easy access.

2. Creating an Advent Calendar with Boxes

If you prefer a more structured approach, using small boxes can be a fun way to create your advent calendar.

Materials Needed:

  • 24 small boxes (you can use gift boxes, matchboxes, or even repurpose small containers)
  • Decorative paper or wrapping for the boxes
  • Number stickers or tags
  • Small gifts or treats to fill the boxes

Instructions:

  1. Wrap the Boxes: Decorate each box with festive wrapping paper or paint. Number them from 1 to 24.
  2. Fill the Boxes: Choose a variety of small gifts, such as mini candles, ornaments, or beauty products. You can also include handwritten notes with fun activities or experiences to enjoy during the holiday season.
  3. Arrange the Boxes: Stack the boxes in a pyramid shape, line them up on a shelf, or create a festive display on your dining table.

3. Creating an Advent Calendar with Bags

Using small bags is another creative option for your advent calendar. This method is especially great for a more casual and playful look.

Materials Needed:

  • 24 small bags (paper, fabric, or burlap bags work well)
  • Twine or string for hanging
  • Number tags or stickers
  • Fun gifts or surprises to fill the bags

Instructions:

  1. Decorate the Bags: Use tags or stickers to number each bag from 1 to 24. You can also personalize them with festive designs or names.
  2. Fill the Bags: Consider including a mix of small gifts, such as tea bags, handmade coupons for activities, or even a few holiday-themed items like ornaments or decorations.
  3. Display the Bags: Hang the bags on a string or arrange them in a basket for a charming display.

Creating your own advent calendar is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your holiday season. Whether you choose to use envelopes, boxes, or bags, the key is to fill them with thoughtful gifts. By customizing your advent calendar, you can make the countdown to Christmas even more special, all while avoiding the extra calories that often come with traditional calendars. So gather your materials, get creative, and enjoy the process of crafting a unique advent calendar that reflects your style and spirit! Happy holidays!