A Cozy Lifestyle with Clearissa Coward
Holiday Prepping Without Spending Money
Creating a Season Filled with Peace, Not Purchases
The holidays are right around the corner, and many are struggling through the government shutdown and the uncertainty of benefit reductions. Let’s face it, many are also feeling the pressure to buy, decorate, and do all the things. I want to encourage you to take a deep breath. Preparing your home — and your heart — for the holidays doesn’t have to mean spending a dime.
In fact, some of the most meaningful moments and cozy holiday memories can come from simply using what you already have, slowing down, and focusing on what truly matters to you and your loved ones.
Start with Gratitude, Not Guilt. It’s easy to feel defeated when you can’t decorate or buy gifts the way you’d like. But friend, release the guilt.
Start by naming the blessings you already have — a warm home, your health, the love of your family, your faith that still stands strong.
A thankful heart shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s meaningful.
Write those blessings down, hang them on your fridge, or create a “Gratitude Garland” with your family using scraps of paper or ribbon. It’s a gentle reminder that joy doesn’t come from money — it comes from perspective.
Here are a few ways to prepare for the holidays without spending money — just creativity, gratitude, and a little elbow grease.
- Declutter Before You Decorate
Before pulling out the bins of ornaments or garland, take some time to clear the clutter.
A tidy, peaceful space instantly makes your home feel fresh and ready for the season.
Go room by room and:
- Toss expired pantry items to make space for holiday baking.
- Donate unused clothing and décor to make room for what you love.
- Clear off surfaces like countertops, coffee tables, and entryways.
This simple act doesn’t cost a thing but will make your home feel light and peaceful — a perfect foundation for the season ahead.
- Shop Your Home
Before heading to the store, take a “shopping trip” around your house.
You’ll be surprised at what you can repurpose:
- Old scarves make beautiful table runners.
- Mason jars can become candle holders or vases for pine branches.
- A cozy throw blanket draped over a chair instantly adds warmth.
Move items from one room to another and give your space a fresh, festive look — without spending a cent.
- Use Nature as Décor
- Step outside and let nature inspire your decorating!
- Gather pinecones, acorns, branches, or evergreen clippings for free, rustic beauty.
- If you are not into the rustic look, you can spray paint the same gathered items in gold or silver for a more glamorous look for the same items.
- Display them in bowls, glass jars, or baskets for a natural touch that’s timeless and cozy.
- Revisit Past Holiday Photos and Memories
- Before you start planning new traditions, spend time revisiting old ones.
- Look through past holiday photos, cards, or recipes that made you smile.
- Print and frame a few — or hang them on a string with clothespins for an instant, memory-filled garland.
Sometimes preparing for the holidays isn’t about adding new things, but cherishing the old ones.
- Plan Acts of Kindness
- The most meaningful part of the holidays is sharing love.
- Write a few encouraging notes, bake cookies from ingredients you already have.
- Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Spreading kindness doesn’t require money — just time and intention.
- Refresh Your Spirit
- As you prepare your home, prepare your heart too.
- Take a few quiet moments each day to pray, journal, or simply sit with a cup of tea and reflect on what you’re grateful for.
- If you focus on peace, joy, and gratitude, your home will feel abundant — even without new décor or purchases.
- Keep Faith at the Center
- When times are uncertain, cling to what never changes — God’s faithfulness.
- Remind yourself that this season isn’t about what’s lost, but what remains.
- He still provides. He still sustains. He still brings peace in the middle of chaos.
- Take quiet moments to pray, read scripture, and ask for renewed strength and hope.
- Try meditating on this verse: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19
That promise is for you — especially now.
Final Thoughts
This season, challenge yourself to create beauty and joy without reaching for your wallet. When we use what we have, appreciate what’s around us, and nurture the relationships that matter most, we discover that the holidays were never about what we buy — but about what we build: connection, comfort, and love.
Call to Action
What’s one way you’re preparing for the holidays this year without spending money?
Share your ideas in the comments — let’s inspire each other to make this season meaningful, creative, and full of heart.
