Interactive: How to save on holiday décor without skimping on your setup

The scent of pine needles and the sparkle of twinkling lights – for many of us, those are the hallmarks of the holiday season. But this year, that familiar joy might come with a bit of a financial pinch. Nearly half of Americans are planning to scale back on holiday décor spending, and a significant 30% aren't buying any new decorations at all. Prices have climbed 10% in the past year, putting a squeeze on the holiday budget. I remember as a little girl, my mom would spend weeks meticulously crafting decorations from pine cones and ribbon – a testament to her creativity and resourcefulness. Today, many families are facing similar challenges, needing to find smart ways to keep the holiday spirit alive without breaking the bank. It's a reminder that the true meaning of the season isn't about extravagance, but about connection and joy.

What Happened

According to a recent survey, 45% of consumers intend to spend less on holiday decorations this year, and 30% aren't purchasing any new decorations at all. This shift in spending habits is largely due to rising costs – holiday décor has seen a 10% price increase over the past year. These increases are driven by tariffs and rising diesel costs, driving artificial Christmas tree prices up between 10% and 15% over the past two holiday seasons. Add a broader 10% jump in holiday décor overall, and it's easy to see why nearly half of Americans are rethinking how much they spend this year.

But here's what the experts want you to know: the best deals aren't necessarily the cheapest options on the shelf. “They’re not necessarily looking for the cheapest,” said Chris Butler, CEO of National Tree Company. “They’re looking for best value and the thing that comes with the best functionality.” This subtle distinction – choosing value over simply the lowest price – can make a significant difference in your holiday budget. It's a lesson that applies to so much more than just holiday decorations; it's about making wise choices for our families and future.

Real vs. Artificial: Which Tree Wins for You?

To help you make an informed decision, here's a breakdown of the costs and considerations for both real and artificial trees:

If you already own an artificial tree that's still in good shape, the smartest move may be to keep it. Adding a few new ornaments or even a small secondary tree in another room can refresh your holiday décor without the expense of a brand-new setup. This simple strategy offers a significant savings, proving that sometimes the best deals are the ones already in your possession.

Community Reaction

The rising cost of holiday decorations is a concern shared by many families in our community. Local residents have expressed frustration on social media, sharing tips and tricks for saving money. The desire to create a warm and inviting home for loved ones during the holidays remains a powerful motivator, and families are finding innovative ways to do so within their budgets.

How Holiday-Smart Is Your Shopping Strategy?

To test your holiday shopping savvy, consider these questions. Are you getting the best deals, or are you unknowingly overpaying? For example, did you know that artificial Christmas tree prices have risen by 10-15% over the past two holiday seasons due to tariffs and diesel costs? Or that 91% of wholesale growers are holding prices steady on real trees this year?

Test Your Knowledge:

• Artificial Christmas tree prices have risen by what amount over the past two holiday seasons?
• About 2–5% — Incorrect. Tariffs and diesel costs pushed artificial tree prices up 10% to 15% over the past two seasons.
• About 10–15% — Correct. Tariffs and diesel costs drove artificial tree prices up 10% to 15% over the past two seasons – a key reason nearly half of consumers are planning to spend less on décor this year.
• About 25–30% — Incorrect. The real number is lower — 10% to 15% — but that's still significant when stacked on top of broader holiday décor price increases of about 10% this year alone.
• Prices have actually dropped — Incorrect. Prices are currently 'relatively steady,' but that follows a climb of 10% to 15% over the past two holiday seasons driven by tariffs and higher diesel costs.
• According to the Real Christmas Tree Board, what share of wholesale growers are NOT planning to raise prices this season?
• About half — Incorrect. The number is much higher — 91% of wholesale growers surveyed said they don't plan to raise their prices.
• About two-thirds — Close, but not quite. The Real Christmas Tree Board found 91% of wholesale growers aren't raising prices.
• 91% — Correct. Nine out of ten wholesale growers surveyed by the Real Christmas Tree Board aren't planning a price increase.
• Less than a quarter — Incorrect. The real number is far more encouraging — 91% of wholesale growers said they're holding prices steady.
• One of the biggest selling points for newer artificial trees, according to National Tree Company CEO Chris Butler, is what?
• They’re significantly cheaper than older models — Incorrect. Price is secondary. Butler said shoppers prioritize value and functionality.
• They last longer than previous generations — Incorrect. Durability wasn't the focus.
• They can be set up in under a minute — Correct. 'That's number one — people are really looking for that convenience,' Butler said.
• They are made from eco-friendly materials — Incorrect. Speed and ease are driving buying decisions.
• According to Chris Butler, what's one of the best ways to save when decorating multiple rooms?
• Buy everything right after Christmas when it goes on clearance — True, but not Butler’s specific recommendation.
• Buy a coordinated décor collection rather than individual pieces — Correct. Butler recommended buying collections like the My Texas House line at Walmart.
• Only decorate the main living room — Incorrect. Butler suggested adding smaller trees in other rooms.
• Replace your main tree with a larger one — Incorrect. Butler specifically advised against this.

What's Next

As we approach the holiday season, it’s clear that a little planning and creativity can go a long way in keeping costs down. Comparing prices online before shopping in-store remains a crucial step, as does considering the long-term value of your purchases. Butler’s suggestion to buy coordinated décor collections offers another avenue for savings, and the possibility of post-holiday clearance sales shouldn’t be overlooked.

Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see if the trend of reduced holiday spending continues in the coming years. The economic pressures driving these changes are likely to persist, and families will continue to seek ways to celebrate the season without overextending themselves. Supporting local businesses and exploring creative DIY options can also help ease the financial burden while fostering a sense of community spirit.

Resources

• Real Christmas Tree Board - Information and resources on real Christmas trees.
• National Tree Company - Selection of artificial Christmas trees and decorations.
• Walmart - Retailer offering a variety of holiday décor options.
• City of Buffalo - Local government website for community resources.
• Erie County - County government website for local services.
• Western New York Council of Churches - Local interfaith organization providing support and resources.
• Buffalo Chamber of Commerce - Information about local businesses and economic development.
• Buffalo Public Schools - Information about local schools and educational programs.
• WNY Public Radio - Local news and information source.
• WKBW 7 Eyewitness News - Local news station.

The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and gratitude. By embracing creativity, seeking value, and prioritizing what truly matters, we can all create cherished memories without breaking the bank. May your homes be filled with warmth, laughter, and the spirit of the season.