Holiday Cheer On the Cheap

This year, we're forgoing the out-of-control spending that comes with the holidays and instead, we're making things and getting satisfaction out of time well spent. (Ugh, that sounded so lame and smug. I swear we're doing this out of necessity, so please don't think we're that kind of yuppie.  Please.)   Here's some of the stuff I've been doing to get in the holiday spirit without busting our budget.

Garlands. I love garlands -- making them and admiring them. I'm planning on making three this weekend:

-  Simple Gold Triangle Garland from Almost Makes Perfect

-  Pom Pom Garland from Crab + Fish

-  Origami Paper Garland from Minieco

Homemade Gifts. My mom picked and bundled up a couple dozen lavender stems and mailed the whole fragrant bunch to me. I'll use most of it to make lavender-rosemary simple syrup to give as gifts and I may throw a little into these tiny rosemary wreaths to hang up around the apartment. I'm also planning on making and giving these things:

-  Lacing Bookmarks from Handmade Charlotte  

-  Fabric Covered Notebooks from A Pair and A Spare

Treats. We keep a fairly well-stocked pantry, so baking up delicious bits is something I can do without an expensive trip to the grocery store. I think I'll make some tangerine-clove balls and I may get this combo simmering.  Here's what else I have my eye on:

-  Soft Gingerbread Cookies from A Cozy Kitchen

-  Vegan Chocolate Pie from Choosing Raw via Food52

-  Holiday Quick Bread from Food52

Photo credits:  1 / 2 / 3