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For most people, a holiday season doesn’t pass without feeling a little frenzied about finding the right gifts for the right people in-stock—especially if you have kids. And, we’re OK with that. But, this year, with container ships stalled in the harbor surrounding the port of Los Angeles, and pandemic-related supply chain problems, the holiday frenzy is happening earlier and promises to be much more widespread. Sure, it’s not yet Halloween, but if you’re big into Christmas and decorating your house to celebrate the season, now is the time to start shopping.
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Don’t be surprised when major retailers’ shelves are empty and online stores are out of stock.
For an alternative to common Christmas decorations at big retailers, you can turn to craftspeople and makers selling their goods online. Often, they’re U.S.-based, and you won’t have as much trouble securing what you want. Plus, their creative spins on holiday decorations are wholly unique, from wreaths and centerpieces to lawn ornaments, lights, and faux Christmas trees.
Here are some festive Christmas decorations from makers and craftspeople that can have a special place in your home.
1. Merry & Bright Christmas felt ball garland
Garland is an easy way to incorporate festive décor into your home without all the fuss. It’s easy to hang and has a refined style. This felt ball garland from Sheep Farm Felt, has small felt balls that give a mod touch. It comes in Christmas colors that can blend into your home seamlessly. Hang them around your tree or drape them across your mantel for a cute, Christmas touch.
Get the Merry & Bright Christmas Felt Ball Garland at Amazon Handmade for $19.95
2. Christmas candle holder
These wooden candlesticks are beautifully designed and can be the centerpiece of your table setting or in your window, creating a lovely ambiance. With four pieces, the holders come together to display carvings of trees and stars. Using just tea lights, these holders give the impression of tall candles without you worrying about a flimsy candlestick falling over.
Get the Christmas Candle Holder at Amazon Handmade for $31.59
3. Winter Wreath for all holidays
A timeless wreath made of shimmering ribbons will last not just this season but from year to year. Made by Pink Door Wreaths, they come in winter-y shades of blue, green and white that are perfect for Hanukkah or just winter in general. Use it in place of a traditional fir wreath or add some cheer indoors making it focal point as a piece of wall décor.
Get the Winter Wreath at Amazon Handmade for $89.95
4. Beaded Heirloom Christmas Tree
For a totally unique take on a Christmas tree, go for a wooden dowel-based tree. This one from Welcome to the Woodshop on Etsy features a decorative, beaded-style pole for a darling touch. It is also a blank canvas for you to decorate any way that you like. You can order it at a height of either 5 feet or 6 feet tall, so it takes up less space than a typical 7-foot fir you may have chopped down in previous years. Thanks to its neutral tones, the beaded heirloom Christmas tree can blend in with your home design whichever way you dress it. Go for toned down earthy shades, or add some colorful vintage ornaments for a flashy design.
Get the Beaded Heirloom Christmas Tree at Etsy starting at $185
5. Vintage Christmas ornaments
If you’re a purveyor of truly unique antique items then go for some bright vintage ornaments that add flair to your tree. Old Box on Etsy sells a variety of beautiful, colorful ornaments that give some real character. Go for a traditional shape or a quirky vegetable design.
6. Handmade artificial mistletoe
A traditional mistletoe inspires Christmas songs and holiday romance. Buying an artificial mistletoe keeps it looking fresh all season and can be used year after year as you welcome guests into your home for holiday parties. It’s a cheeky piece of décor that just may inspire a Hallmark movie-like experience.
Get the Handmade Artificial Mistletoe at Amazon Handmade for $24.95
7. Personalized knit wool stockings
Stockings are a classic way of personalizing your home décor. Knit wool stockings add a shabby chic, handmade touch and could even have people thinking you’ve made them yourself. Customize one for every member of your family.
Get Personalized Knit Wool Stockings at Etsy for $68
8. Solar LED Christmas tree
There’s magic to outdoor Christmas decorations that shine bright among the snow (if you’re lucky enough to live in an area with snow). Solar powered LED lights make lighting up your yard easy since there’s no need to worry about finding an outlet. The simple design of this particular tree is timeless and will bring joy to your neighborhood this holiday season.
Get the Solar LED Christmas Tree at Etsy starting at $29.99
9. Hand-painted poinsettia candles
Poinsettias are an elegant symbol of the holiday season. These hand-painted candles that make the iconic red flower a focal point can compliment floral arrangements with traditional colors of reds and greens when you go about designing the centerpiece of your holiday table. They’re so lovely that you won’t want to burn them (which means they’ll last longer too!)
Get the Hand-painted Poinsettia Candles at Amazon Handmade for $27.99
10. Wood flower Christmas centerpiece
Guests come and go through your home this holiday season, and a custom-made centerpiece will keep your table looking fresh when you sit down for a cup of tea or cocoa. Rose and Bee Organics makes these marvelous florals from wood that feature snow dusted berries. Surround this centerpiece with decorative candles and you’ll always have a table ready for gathering.
Get the Wood Flower Christmas Centerpiece at Etsy for $140
11. Snowflake fairy light garland
Don’t go with the traditional strong lights, go for something with pizzazz! A snowflake shaped fairy light can add an extra touch, while also lighting up your home for the holidays. These battery powered lights can light up a tree or hang from stair railings, walls or along a mantel. They come in warm or cool lighting so you can customize the kind of glow you want to create in your space.
Get the Snowflake Fairy Light Garland at Etsy for $16.15
12. Natural pinecone ornaments
For a slice of cottagecore style, add some natural accoutrements to your Christmas tree with charming pinecone ornaments. With white tips as if they’ve been kissed by a permanent frost, these bring in a touch of the outdoors, hanging naturally amongst the boughs of your fir tree.
Get the Natural Pinecone Ornaments, Set of 6, at Etsy for $12.80
13. Wooden Rudolph lawn decoration
This wooden cut-out of Rudolph the Reindeer prancing across the yard will bring whimsy and joy to the whole neighborhood. With a super simple design, this is a polished way of bringing a beloved holiday character to your lawn. Kraftz by KC stains this wooden reindeer dark brown while allowing the wood’s natural grain to show through and more easily live in your home’s landscape.
Get the Wooden Rudolph Lawn Decoration at Etsy starting at $115
14. Holiday tree figurines
The holidays give you free rein to decorate all over your home. These merry, holiday tree figurines made of yarn on a wooden base are colorful and offer a cozy and personal feel. If you prefer neutrals, then the hand-carved trees can go anywhere and can even become a year-round decoration if you love a woodsy, Scandinavian aesthetic.
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