It is truly, and undeniably, the most wonderful time of the year. It's the build-up to Christmas! As the weather begins to transition to the frigid cold, day-long snowfalls, and wind so sharp that it cuts your skin, Christmas-lovers have begun their countdown to the day that eradicates all negativity from the year and unites families with joy, love, and the giving spirit. I know, for myself, that the month or so leading up to Christmas is almost more exciting than Christmas itself (but not really because it's Christmas). This month before the beautiful holiday includes pulling out your warmest sweaters from the back of your closet, buying loads of hot chocolate packets, planning and buying gifts for family and friends, and the greatest of all: decorating. For myself, I have a month full of studying, work, and final exams before going home for winter break, which means I will miss all of the decorating fun with my family. Almost all students are in the same boat. However, there is nothing that can stop us from making our dorm room, apartment or college house bleed green and red! Though we can all relate to the fact that we are lacking money to spend on Christmas decorations, Target is the college student's best friend. Here are a few college budget-friendly ideas from Target to kickstart your decorating fun!
1. Christmas Tree, Target, $22.00
For starters, everyone needs a tree. Whether you decide to make your own DIY tree out of pizza boxes or empty beer cans or buy an actual tree, Target has a budget-friendly 6-foot tree that gives you the opportunity to decorate it however you like.
2. Clear Mini String Lights, Target, $4.49
To decorate your beautiful tree, you cannot forget the lights. Target has a large selection with a wide variety of either indoor/outdoor, clear or colored, or twinkly string lights. Take your pick with whatever lights best fit your own tree and home. And as a pro tip, these lights can serve as dual purpose for decorating your room 11 out of the 12 months.
3. Christmas Tree Garland Set, Target, $3.00
To spice up your tree a bit, Target has this awesome tree garland set that allows you to pick and choose what kind of tree you want. You can go traditional with the red and silver, or mix it up and create a silvery-blue tree. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even use all four sets and give your tree the eye-catching pop that it deserves!
4. Mini Glass Ball Christmas Ornament Set, Target, $3.00
At just $3, you have the option to decorate your tree with this ornament set that includes almost all colors, glitter, matte, or shimmer glass balls. The set is very pleasing to the eye, so it would be very acceptable to simply throw on all of the glass bulbs in no set order or pattern and your tree will still sparkle.
5. Gold Lit Mini Tree Topper, Target, $4.00
To top off the tree, this golden star tree topper will give just the perfect amount of shimmer that will complete your tree's look without taking attention away from the tree itself. Tree toppers vary between every family and everyone has their own taste in toppers. If you'd rather your tree topper have a little more character, get creative and make your own!
6. 9-Foot Artificial Garland Branch, Target, $4.00
Time to get rid of the empty alcohol bottles aligned on top of your cupboards and replace them with garland! This 9-foot garland branch will do wonders for making your apartment or kitchen feel more home-like. Throw some garland anywhere that looks a tad boring and it will completely change the feel of that room.
7. Cable Knit Mini Stockings, Target, $4.00
Although most college houses, apartments or dorm rooms don't have a fireplace, it doesn't hurt to spice up a blank wall or TV stand with Christmas colored stockings. Depending on if you have roommates or not, each roommate could get their own color with this set of three mini stockings. Without stockings, where is Santa going to put your treats and presents?
8. Red Stars Confetti Garland, Target, $4.00
To spice up your walls a bit, this red stars confetti garland is also available in green and silver and could add a very nice touch to your walls or ceilings, wherever you choose to hang them.
With just a little help from this article, friends, and family, you could have at least one area of your college living area decorated for under $50 (and yes, that is cheap for Christmas decorations). Instead of going to Chipotle every Tuesday, for the month of November, skip the eating out and you will have almost the equivalent of money needed for these decorations. Get creative! Christmas is a time for you to experiment with your creative side, and there is nothing more exciting and fun than pulling out the old decorations and making your own little home a part of the North Pole!
