If you’re newly engaged or recently married, you may be celebrating one of your first Christmases together. Whether you’re staying at home on Christmas day or just want to make a holiday evening special, put in a bit of effort. With our three simple tips, you can make Christmas special at home. It may be just you two, or you could be hosting, but these suggestions are easy to implement!

3 Easy Ways to Make Christmas Special at Home

Christmas is something everyone looks forward to. Possibly it’s your first one together this year! Whether you’re spending time just the two of you or are headed to see family, it’s time to start thinking ahead and doing what you can to make this Christmas a special one.

Although decorating, cooking, and buying gifts add to your to-do list, you can still personalize your holiday. You may be thinking about how you can make the experience unique and special, and here are three things to try doing. 

1. Make homemade Christmas wrapping paper.

Of course, at this time of year, you might be sitting in a sea of wrapping paper. But if you were hoping to add a homemade touch to your Christmas festivities, then why not create your own wrapping paper?

Use rubber stamps or natural elements to decorate your paper. Use the inspiration you have around you. Perhaps fallen leaves are in abundance in your garden or close to your home. Collect some flexible leaves, gently sponge paint onto the leaves, and press them on kraft paper. Let dry and wrap your gifts. It’s so easy to do!

2. Give personalized Christmas gifts.

Another thing you could try this year would be to make personalized gifts. Gift baskets are a great way to show people you have taken into account the things that they love. Fill decorated Christmas baskets with items you know the recipient will enjoy. What a treat!

The basket itself is a gift that can then be reused over and over again. If you love to DIY, you could also make things like flavored gin, baked goods, or a handicraft.  Use your creativity to give unique gifts to your family and friends. It doesn’t even have to cost a lot.

3. Go all out when decorating your holiday dining table.

Sometimes the easiest way to make Christmas special at home is to decorate your dining room table. Traditionally, friends and family come together around the table to eat a full-on festive feast. Having a gorgeous central location is a lovely way to celebrate the holidays.

Candles have such a way of adding atmosphere to any occasion. Add a festive scent, such as pine or vanilla, with a natural candle made from soy or beeswax. There are some amazing tablescapes online (see here!) that will fill your mind with endless possibilities. But simply adding a few candles to the mix will brighten up your dining space. 

Another option is to decorate the dining room and table with flowers or green foliage. It would make your room so festive! Save offcuts from your fresh Christmas tree or gather sprinkles of holly from outside to add color. You could even place a small bit of evergreen or a flower on the table setting for each guest. 

Want to make Christmas special at home? Save it!

Photos: Polina Tankilevitch, Priscilla Du Preez, Ruth Georgiev, Dorina Stati