Frugal Intuition

Cut Christmas trees are big business this time of year.  In our house we always get a cut tree.  This isn’t a decision based on frugality (if you want to be frugal, wait until after Christmas when the nice pre-lit artificial ones are on sale for 80% off), but it’s one of the accepted expenses of the season, one we’re not willing to skimp on.  We usually spend around $30 on a tree each year.  One of the reasons we insist on real trees is the scent.  Pine or fir or cedar or spruce–that unmistakable scent of evergreen is part of what gets us in the holiday mood.

If you’re looking for a last minute way to spruce up your home for the holidays, take a trip to your local Christmas tree lot.  Not to buy a tree (unless that’s what you want to do) but to see about picking up some boughs that have been cut off all the trees sold.  Part of having a live tree is that the lower limbs get cut off to allow the trunk to fit into a stand.  It’s not like the tree places are doing anything with all that greenery.  Whenever we get a tree, I always have them save the branches they cut off our tree and add in some the others.  Most places are happy to do this.  I then use the greenery to make garland, add a festive touch to the top of tall pieces of furniture like china cabinets or the entertainment center, even a little holiday terrarium with a teddy bear and leftover ornaments that wouldn’t fit on the tree.  This is a great way to add a little touch of the holidays to a space and get that sought after scent of evergreen.