The holiday season is here, and it’s time to deck the halls with festive cheer. But instead of buying new decorations, why not go for a natural, zero-waste theme this Christmas? Making your own DIY Christmas decorations not only adds a personal touch to your home but also helps reduce waste and save money. In this article, we’ll explore 11 easy DIY Christmas decorations that you can make right at home. Let’s get started!

1. Festive Dried Citrus Garland

Add a touch of Scandi style to your home with a festive dried citrus garland. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also fills your home with the delightful scent of Christmas. To make this simple DIY Christmas decor, you’ll need oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and wooden chopsticks. Start by slicing the oranges as thin as possible and making a hole at the top with a chopstick. Bake the slices in the oven on low heat until they are dry. Once dried, thread a string through the holes of the dried oranges, tying a knot at each one to hold them in place. You can also add cinnamon sticks and cloves for extra flair. Hang the garland on your Christmas tree or around the house to create a festive atmosphere.

2. Popcorn Tree Garland

For a cheap and eco-friendly DIY Christmas decoration, try making a popcorn tree garland. All you need is popped popcorn and a threaded needle. Simply string the popcorn together by piercing each piece with the needle. For a pop of color, you can also add dried cranberries. This DIY garland is a great alternative to traditional tinsel and can be used to decorate your Christmas tree or any other part of your home. Just remember to use it indoors, as popcorn doesn’t fare well as outdoor Christmas decor.

3. Recycled Printed Wrapping Paper

Reduce waste this Christmas by making your own wrapping paper. Instead of buying rolls of paper that will end up in the trash, save newspaper throughout December and use it to wrap your gifts. You can add a personal touch by tying them with twine and sprigs of holly. If you prefer more colorful wrapping paper, opt for recycled parcel paper and stamp it with fun designs using potato stamps and vegetable inks. Your loved ones will appreciate the unique and personalized touch, and the wrapped presents will double as rustic Christmas decor for your home.

4. Fabric Wrapping Paper

Take your eco-friendly wrapping game up a notch by learning the art of furoshiki. This Japanese tradition involves wrapping gifts in fabric instead of throwaway paper. You can choose sustainable cloth from brands like Saged Home or repurpose scraps of fabric you have at home. The key is to make sure the fabric is in the shape of a square. To wrap the gift, place it in the center of the fabric and bring opposite corners up and over the box, tying them together on top. The best part is that your loved ones can reuse the fabric, making it a gift that keeps on giving.

5. Natural Place Settings

Add a personal touch to your Christmas table with DIY place settings. Gather seasonal foraged items like holly, rosemary, dried berries, cinnamon sticks, dried sliced oranges, sage leaves, and pine cones to create unique and natural place settings. You can place these elements inside mason jars or vases to add stability and enhance the decorative effect. Not only will these DIY Christmas table decorations impress your guests, but they will also fill the room with delightful scents. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate family dinner, these natural place settings will add a special touch to your dining experience.

6. Origami Stars

Get creative and make origami stars to decorate your home this Christmas. These colorful ornaments can be hung on your tree, stuck on windows, made into garlands, or even used as ceiling decorations. Use upcycled paper from old newspapers, sheet music, or books to make these pretty stars. Cut the paper into squares, with a 12″ square making a 7″ star. Learning how to fold the paper into an origami star may take some time, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes an easy and enjoyable craft. Each origami star is unique and adds a whimsical touch to your Christmas decor.

7. Twig or Cinnamon Stick Star Ornaments

Add a rustic touch to your Christmas tree with DIY star ornaments made from twigs or cinnamon sticks. These plastic-free and zero-waste decorations are easy to make and require minimal materials. Simply gather twigs or cinnamon sticks and use string and a bit of creativity to mold them into star shapes. You can even use cookie cutters as templates while the glue dries to create different shapes. Consider dyeing the string with natural dyes in advance to add a pop of color to your ornaments. Hang these charming stars on your Christmas tree, mantel, or use them as DIY outdoor Christmas decorations.

8. Newspaper DIY Christmas Cards

Put your scrap paper to good use by making homemade Christmas cards. These rustic and eco-friendly cards are simple to make but will stand out with their unique look. You can use scrap odds and ends from your origami stars or colorful string leftover from your twig stars. Cut flaps of paper into the shape of a Christmas tree and stitch them to the outside of the card for a 3-dimensional effect. Get creative and design your own festive shapes or follow a tutorial to create unique DIY Christmas cards. Display them at home or share them with friends and family.

9. Seed Packet Christmas Cards

Combine holiday greetings with sustainability by repurposing seed packets into unique Christmas cards. This idea is perfect for gardeners or plant lovers in your life. Gather empty seed packets and a piece of upcycled paper or cardstock. Trim the packets to fit the size of the card and attach them to the front using glue or double-sided tape. Write your holiday message inside, and your recipients can keep the seed packets as a DIY farmhouse Christmas decor or use them to grow their own plants. It’s a thoughtful and sustainable way to spread holiday cheer.

10. DIY Christmas Wreaths

Instead of buying a shop-bought Christmas wreath, why not make your own? DIY Christmas wreaths are easy to create, eco-friendly, and add a personal touch to your home decor. There are countless ideas for Christmas wreaths, but one particularly sustainable option is a fabric scrap wreath. Gather fabric scraps in various colors and sizes, such as old sewing projects or worn-out t-shirts. Cut the fabric into strips and tie them onto a wire wreath frame, creating a layered and textured look. Fluff and arrange the fabric strips to achieve a full and festive appearance. You can also add dried berries and citrus slices for extra flair. Hang your DIY wreath on your front door or use it as Christmas wall decor.

11. DIY Christmas Tree

For the ultimate Christmas DIY project, consider making your own sustainable Christmas tree. This unique and creative idea allows you to upcycle old items around the house and create a one-of-a-kind tree. You can keep it simple by stacking a pile of books in a tree shape or tie sticks together, starting with the smallest size at the top and descending to larger sizes. If you love the smell of fresh pine but don’t want to cut down a living tree, collect fallen pine boughs and other fresh greenery to create a deconstructed hanging Christmas tree. Adorn your creation with festive garlands and ornaments for a truly personalized touch.

In conclusion, DIY Christmas decorations are not only fun to make but also eco-friendly and budget-friendly. By opting for natural materials and repurposing items you already have, you can create unique and sustainable Christmas decor that will impress your guests and spread holiday cheer. So, this holiday season, gather your crafting supplies and get creative with these easy DIY Christmas decorations. Happy crafting!