Celebrating the Christmas holiday doesn’t have to break the bank. You can create a mood on a budget that is festive and memorable. If you’re looking for unique and inexpensive ways to ring in this magical time of the year, the following four tips can help you and your loved ones have a holiday to remember!

1) Swap out ordinary items for festive ones. Decorating your home is one of the fastest ways to get into the holiday spirit. But if you don’t have the budget for elaborate trees and yards of tinsel, don’t fret. Swap out every day household items with budget-friendly finds from the dollar store. Enliven your bathroom with holiday soaps and candles. Spruce up your kitchen with Christmas mugs and your dining room table with holiday-themed placemats.

2) Recycle household items. You may already have festive supplies hiding in your kitchen cabinets. You can turn mason jars into candle holders. Washed, empty soup cans can be used to hold mini pine trees. String together a garland out of cereal. The possibilities are endless!

3) Plan a craft day with your kids. Get your children into the holiday spirit by putting a craft day on the calendar. This will build excitement in your little ones for the time you’ll spend together making something merry and fun. The following paper-plate Christmas tree is affordable and easy to make. You’ll only need five items from the dollar store: paper plates, green paint, paintbrushes, mini pom-poms and glue.

Instructions: Paint the paper plates with green paint and let them dry. Once the plates are completely dry to the touch, fold them into a cone shape. You glue to keep the shape in place. Then glue on the mini pom-poms. You can also add stickers, buttons and any other kid-friendly items you have on hand.

4) Have a Christmas dance-off. Music is an inexpensive and beautiful way to usher in the holiday. We all have Christmas carols and songs that uplift our spirit. These tunes transport us to Christmases past with memories of cozy nights, eating gingerbread cookies and sipping hot chocolate as we drink in the pungent scent of pine trees. Add some excitement this Christmas by having a family dance-off. Have your loved ones come up with a playlist of upbeat Christmas songs, such as “All I Want for Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and “This Christmas.” Then form a Soul Train line and see who can come up with the best moves to the music. The winner gets a special Christmas treat!