Holiday decorating on a budget: Deck the halls with these good calls.

OK, it’s not even Thanksgiving and the holiday marketing blitz is taking over the TV, the computer and the mailbox. And don’t even get us started on the pre-season broadcasts of Rudolph and Frosty. C’mon, guys, we just barely got the Halloween decorations down.

But if you’re one of those “holiday spirit” people who’s already thinking snow, reindeer sweaters and hot chocolate in front of the fire, you’re probably a big decorator. And as a Saver, you’re probably a crafty decorator, too. So before you go hunting for Clark Griswold-like blow-up snow globes and candy canes for the front yard, check out a few of these more practical but festive options.

Start in your basement, attic or wherever you store previous years’ decorations. Dust them off and display them across your living room. They’re as festive as ever—and sentimental, to boot. Aww.

For new-to-you ornaments, hit the church basement for the holiday bazaar. You can find some awesome, cheap decorations – and catch up on the latest gossip.

Want fresher decor? Walk through your backyard or local park and pick up some acorns, pine cones, evergreen branches. Make a wreath for the front door (or a centerpiece for the holiday spread). Spray leaves with gold or silver paint and wrap them around a jar to create a decorative vase, or hang ‘em from windows to showcase your handiwork to the neighbors.

And if you have kids (or nieces, nephews or grandchildren), you have access to some of the best holiday decorations money can’t buy. From construction paper garland and snow flakes to hand-signed pictures and faux mistletoe, you just can’t beat the creativity of 3rd grade art class.

Finally, stick to classic decorations in festive colors such as blue, white, red, green, silver and gold for winter. Voila – your house/apartment/condo/front lawn or back patio will be classically festive, season to season.

Are you decorating this year? We certainly hope so. (But, please, wait until AFTER Thanksgiving, okay?) Either way, we’d like to know how you get festive on the frugal.

Tags: Decorating, Holiday, Savings, Tips