Being at school during the holidays can take the “holiday” out of “holiday cheer”. Sometimes decorations can help get people into the spirit of the season, but not everyone has the funds to buy all those fancy decorations. As college students, we have little options to decorate due to our empty pockets and residential hall restrictions. Do-it-yourself decorations are usually the best option and, sometimes, are even more enjoyable than just buying some holiday decor. Here are some DIY dorm decorations you can make on a budget to spread the joy. So grab some candy canes, tinsel and your creativity, and get crafting.
Santa-fy your door this Holiday season
Santa door hanger
Everyone loves ol’ Saint Nick, so why not put him on your door knob? This craft is actually fairly easy. Grab some felt or leftover paper of red, green, yellow and white variety. Cut out a big red Christmas hat and cut out a hole large enough for your door knob. Glue together the shapes of Santa’s beard and face to the main hat piece and done. Add designs and extras like pom poms and borders at your leisure. Maybe even put two pieces of the white felt together filled with stuffing to fatten Santa’s beard.
A DIY Poinsettia to brighten your day
Mini Poinsettia tree
The plant of the season is this beautiful bright red flower. This plant brightens up your room and makes you feel at home, but it can be a nightmare to the allergy-prone. A fake version of this flower might be the best option. Buy a small branch of the fake poinsettia, a foam cube or pebbles for the base, and some scrap wrapping paper from any craft store. Stick this branch into your base — either the foam cube or pebbles you chose earlier. Wrap your base in some scrap wrapping paper with a twist tie or rubber band to hold it together. This is the perfect addition to any desk or mantle, or it could simply be used as a paperweight.
Dorms and apartments tend to be plain and boring, but with a few additions you can brighten up the whole room. Gather some sparkly paper, or plain colorful paper if you wish, tinsel or thick ribbon and Command hooks. Start drawing and cutting out a variety of holiday shapes. Gingerbread people, snowflakes, stockings and presents are just a few shapes that you can craft. Tape them to your walls or windows to create a winter wonderland display. Take your tinsel or ribbon and drape them around your walls to add some color.
Gift wrap your door
A big part of the holiday season is buying presents for all your friends and family. So, why not make your door a big present to welcome your guests to your home on campus? Take some ribbon or wrapping paper and get to gifting early this year. Cut two long strips the length and width of your front door. Tape or velcro these strips to the door. Make a bow out of the extra ribbon or paper to finish off the look.
Oh Tinsel Tree, Oh Tinsel Tree
Tinsel tree
What is Christmas without a tree or tinsel? In the residence halls, it might be hard to squeeze a large tree into the space. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t make your own tree. Grab some tinsel and fasten it to the wall in the shape of a Christmas tree. You can even add some fancy ornaments or candy canes for more flair.
