Deck the Walls and Save Your Money (Fa la la la la, la la la la)

Black Friday... Cyber Monday... it seems everywhere we turn, we're getting tips on how to save money shopping for holiday gifts. But for every penny we save on electronics, toys and self-care products, there's another we spend on decorations and holiday cards. In fact, Americans spend $8 billion a year on holiday decorations alone -- a number great for the economy but not so good on the family budget. Take it from me, I'm the daughter of a woman who decorated so much and for almost every holiday, I'm surprised she didn't find herself Groundhog Day lawn ornaments to celebrate his shadow sighting.

But before you either spend way too much time and money, or throw in the towel because it's all too much, I've joined forces with my Twitter and Facebook mom friends to present...

5 Ways to Save on Holiday Decorations and Cards

1. Get crafty -- Of all the deals and finds I've discovered this year, I'm most excited about my new, budding love of crafting. Miranda Becker, Family.com's adorable crafting guru, has totally gotten my glue gun fired up. I loved making the countdown calendar (although not nearly as pretty as hers) and can't wait to make the wreath (pictured above). The cool thing is that she uses stuff I mostly already have at home (see: coffee filters and cupcake papers). And she goes old school with paper ornaments that are super-easy! I might even try my hand at making little snow globe scene ornaments with the kiddos and give them to the grandparents as gifts. Click on the video for more ideas! Add these cool ideas to the countless holiday-themed art projects that come home from school and your house will be merry in no time!



Psst: look to the right of the how-to videos for a downloadable shopping guide to get everything you need at Target. My tip: hit the $1 bin at the front of the store first!

2. Choose a room -- You don't have to go all Griswold to turn your home into a winter wonderland. Pick one area (my tip is the room your tree is in) and focus on that. Melissa decorates with framed photos of her kids' Santa pics throughout the years to create a festive, nostalgic feel.

3. Reduce, reuse, recycle -- I feel no shame admitting that my family has an artificial tree -- I love it! It's 9 feet tall, pre-lit and seriously looks real. But the best part is that we paid $300 and it's just been pulled out to celebrate it's ninth Christmas (looking as good as the first, I might add). With trees for sale in my 'hood running upwards of 400 bucks (although the cheapies start at $19.95), we scored in the tree department!

Plus, considering that according to the US Fire Administration, "Christmas trees account for 250 fires annually, resulting in 14 deaths, 26 injuries and more than $13.8 million in property damage," my tree allows me to sleep at night, with me safe from worry and my family safe from tragedy.

4. Wrap it up! -- Roxanne wins the prize for most original tip. "I love wrapping the stuff I already have hanging on my wall. I've been doing it for years." By wrapping her already framed decor (she suggests buying paper from Target where it's still cheap), she decks the wall for just a couple of bucks.

5. Think long term -- Holiday decorations are like any other purchase: quality is key. Sure you could be getting a deal but if the item is poorly made, you'll wind up spending the season sweeping up broken ornaments and wiping away the tears of your disappointed kids -- and who has time for that? In the long run, cheap decor will cost you more when you consider replacing it year after year.

Several moms, including Jeannette and Louise, swear by the post-holiday sales. And while it can't help you out this year, those 75% bargains are perfect for stocking up for years to come.

BONUS: Are you tired of spending too much money on impersonal holiday cards and wrapping? Save cash and make an impression with these handmade cards and gift bags. My tip: Put the kids to work, of course!

The whole purpose of holiday decorating is to create an atmosphere of comfort and joy. Follow these tips and you'll be on your way to sprucing up the house without going overboard. Because no one wants to walk into a house that looks like the holidays just threw up.