What is it that they say about necessity being the mother of invention? Whatever it is I know what they mean. Take Christmas for example. When money is tight you need to be inventive so that you still have an enjoyable Christmas with all the trimmings.

Do not imagine though that you need to be extremely artistic in order to be creative. Research the Internet and local library in order to get some tips for making your own Christmas Tree decorations.

Of course firstly you will need to decide what you want to achieve. Perhaps you would like your Christmas Tree to be shimmering gold or red and green in a traditional style. Then again maybe you want your Christmas Tree this year to be stylish and minimalistic. Up to the minute trees may feature simply black and silver.

The choice is yours.

Once you know what you are hoping to achieve you can start planning the decorations and gathering together what you need to accomplish the look.

It is too late for Christmas 2009 but remember to check out the post Christmas sales for the best prices for retail Christmas Tree decorations. There are always some great bargains to be had.

E Bay, Car Boot and Garage Saletring for hanging these decorations.

See if there are second hand decorations available on E Bay or at local car boot or garage sales. You may find some good bargains. Many people hardly use their decorations and then decide its time for a change.

Ribbon

Buy a few different rolls of ribbon. This can be cut to size and made into bows to decorate your tree or any decorations that you have made. Thin ribbon can be used instead of string to hang these decorations.

Empty presents

Collect a selection of empty boxes in order to make pretend presents. If you prefer wrap items such as a scarf that you already have to make a soft parcel.With varying sizes these presents can add interest to your Christmas Tree. Wrap in stylish paper and add bows and ribbons. Hang these strategically around your tree or place around the base of your tree,

Sweets and other goodies

Do not buy expensive Christmas goodies such as candy canes and chocolate decorations. Buy a large bag of mini treats to hang individually. Small bags of chocolate or children's sweets look good and can be enjoyed throughout the Christmas season.

Tinsel and glitter

Traditional tinsel and glitter is great for filling up the Christmas tree. It adds sparkle and razzmatazz quite cheaply. Coloured foil can be cut into thin strips and curled with scissors so that it adds frills.

Baking decorations

There are various Christmas Cookies that can be baked and decorated so that they will look good hung on your Christmas Tree.

A good example of this is Cinnamon Dough Cookie ornaments Apart from decorating your tree they will add a lovely seasonal aroma to your room.

Tissue paper

Tissue paper is great for decorations. Buy various colours and experiment mixing and matching. This paper can be gathered into frills for adorning homemade angels and the like. Buy some cheap pipe cleaners for the bodies and dress them up with this bright, cheap paper.

Coloured foil

Multi coloured foil is great for making Christmas Tree decorations. Make a draft one first as a tester.

You will need some coloured foil, appropriate cotton or string and a reel of tape. Cut an oblong approximately 8 x 6 inches. In the middle 4 x 5 inches slice a row os slits. Join the two long sides with tape. Gently press on the ends of this roll and the slits will open up making a fancy lantern, With a fine string loop through the top this will hang easily on your tree. Choose brightly coloured Christmas themed foil for the best effect. Experiment with different sizes once you have made a draft lantern.

Experiment with different materials whilst you save some money but have some fun. Involve the whole family for a very personal Christmas. There are lots of great ideas on-line, especially at HubPages.com

Cut out of card Christmas shapes such as Snowmen, Trees and snowflakes, cover in shiny glitzy foil or with sparkly tinsel. Once the foil is glued in place add a string to hang on the tree.

Small balls and the like can be sprayed with silver or gold spray paint. A small hook can then be inserted into the ball and the decoration hung on the tree.

Once you let your imagination start working over time you may find lots of items around the home that you can use. Remember health and safety and fire issues though. Cotton wool to represent snow, pine cones sprayed silver or gold, cheap costune jewellery beads and more can all be utilised.

Christmas Crackers.

It may be possible to buy cheap Christmas Crackers for decorating your tree. These crackers may not be perfect for pulling but could be very decorative.

To make your own crackers, that are simply for decoration, use empty toilet paper rolls for the inners. Decorate these with foil, paper, ribbons, bows and or sparkle.

Want to make a box of crackers for a gift or some for the tree that will actually pull properly? This is easier and cheaper than you may think.

Overall

Being creative with decorating your Christmas tree can save you money but also be fun. The decorations do not have to look hand made or pathetic. In fact they will probably look individual and distinctive. Even tiny coloured pegs can be used to hang your decorations on the tree once they have been made.

An added bonus could be that your children are kept busy and occupied for a considerable time as they utilise their creativity.

NOTE:-Make sure that there is nothing homemade on your tree that will smell for example with time or be a fire hazard near to Christmas lights. Saving money is fine but not at the expense of your health and safety.