You leave your house with a to-do list in your wallet or purse. You come home and your to-do list is almost done and your wallet or purse is a bit lighter, unless you could those credit-card receipts that are weighing it down a bit. But, somehow, Christmas spirit has crept silently, very quietly, into your heart. You have a spring in your step, and a melody going through your mind. The coffee at coffee shop tasted just a bit mellower and waitress was really quite nice. The clerk was rushed but seemed to take that extra minute to help you out and when you thanked her, her face just lit up. The older lady sitting down on mall bench seemed tired, but responded with a smile that could melt your heart as you passed by and said "Merry Christmas."

The receipt for all these little extras in your day - a million dollars and all deposited right into your heart. The kids are just not making as much noise today, and making dinner is a breeze. You welcome night and sleep like a baby and you actually look forward to tomorrow.

You take a reality check - did everything really go smoothly yesterday or was there a bit of Christmas magic dused on your jacket as you passed that sidewalk Santa Claus. Something to think about, isn't it? ENJOY! ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 November

6. Place a few inexpensive glass balls in a bowl and embellish with a few sprigs of greenery or some leftover ribbon. If you don't have an extra bowl (it is holidays, after all!) try decoupaging a box with leftover Christmas wrap, or cover with a little fabric and glue.

7. Take down your pictures and wrap them like a gift, then hang them back on wall for great holiday cheer! You don't have to do this all around house, how about just in entry, or maybe dining room?

8. Tie greens or ornaments to chandelier with a little Christmas ribbon, just make sure they don't hang low enough for any candles on table to catch them on fire.

9. Make your own gift tags out of leftover paper. Ok, this is not a new idea, but try punching it up a bit. Add details by layering shapes over base paper, use paper punches and scalloped scrapbooking scissors to add style, use a gold calligraphy pen to add names. Or use scalloped scissors to make old holiday cards into tags.

10. Sponge stars or other seasonal shapes on your window with paint! No, I’m not nuts. Just add a teaspoon or so of liquid dish soap to acrylic craft paint, (I like white or gold metallic) and after holidays you should be able to wash it off with window cleaner. Use a non- scratching dish scrubber if you come across a stubborn spot.

There it is, 10 best budget decorating ideas for Holiday decorating! Always remember most important reason we celebrate, and reason we take time to make our homes warm and inviting…our loved ones! Have a wonderful holiday season!