Jingle bells! Batman smells! Robin laid an egg. Batmobile lost a wheel and Joker did ballet.
Maybe that campfire chorus doesn’t ring a bell for everyone, but it certainly brings back a memory for me. This year I decided to hang stockings and do a little extra decorating beyond just putting up the tree, even though we’ll be packing most of it away when we move in mid-December. It felt important to celebrate Clara’s first Christmas, even if it’s only for a short while.
Out came our vintage-feel feather trees — a couple of small ones I picked up years ago from Target and a local shop called Buford Road Pharmacy — and the familiar Target stockings we’ve used for past holidays. They’re simple and sweet, and I wanted to add one fresh element without spending much. Instead of buying new decor, I leaned into gift wrap and items we already had on hand.
I selected two sheets of pretty wrapping paper from a local gift shop called Mongrel and grabbed a roll of silver paper while I was there. Then I raided our gift-closet stash of boxes and ribbon. Between saved boxes and leftover ribbon from presents we’d received over the years (I’m guilty of keeping every pretty ribbon and bag), I had more than enough to create small faux gift stacks. The only real purchase was the wrapping paper, which ran around seven dollars.
The result was eleven little faux gifts — just empty boxes dressed up with coordinating paper and ribbon. I arranged them into two small stacks so they read as a thoughtful accent rather than clutter. The wrap I chose has a slightly vintage vibe and includes a touch of yellow, which ties in nicely with the yellow rug in the room. The overall effect is cozy, a bit nostalgic, and inexpensive.
Mr. Concrete Greyhound also got a holiday touch — I simply tied a gold ribbon I already had around his neck. It took a moment and gave him a festive look without any expense or fuss.
To make the mantel feel more intentional, I made small cardstock name tags for each stocking. John and I share one that’s labeled “Mom & Dad,” and so Clara and Burger each have their own tag. I tied extra ribbon around the tags so they relate visually to the wrapped faux gifts below. It was a tiny, two-minute detail that pulled the display together.
With candles glowing in the fireplace and the trees plugged in, the room felt more festive than it usually does this time of year. It’s a small setup, but it’s enough to create holiday cheer and to give Clara a few joyful first memories. Even though most of this will be boxed up when we move, I’m glad we took a little extra time to enjoy it.
Tips if you want to recreate this look on a budget:
- Keep a small stash of pretty ribbon and gift bags. They’re easy to store and great for quick decorating.
- Save sturdy boxes from gifts throughout the year — they’re perfect for faux presents and take a minute to cover with paper.
- Pick one or two accent colors and repeat them across stockings, ribbons, and wrapped boxes to make the space feel cohesive.
- If you’re short on storage when moving soon, limit decorations to a few special items you can easily pack and reuse next year.
Are you decorating yet? It’s officially December, and I’m feeling much less odd about breaking out the holiday decor. If you’re moving soon but still want to enjoy a little festive cheer, focus on small, meaningful touches you can easily pack when the time comes. For more inspiration, take a look at seasonal project galleries and curated holiday decor lists on home and decorating pages you follow — there are plenty of affordable ideas if you want to keep costs low while still making the season feel special.
Update: We’ve rounded up favorite holiday decor ideas and budget-friendly finds on our site if you want more quick decorating inspiration.