A Thrifted Christmas

-Kim B

Longing to Spark Joy

As humans, and especially as women, we have this innate longing to spark joy—for ourselves and those around us. When the Christmas season comes around, we decorate, buy presents, and host parties, all in hopes of creating joy and memories. Yet, in our quest for perfection, we can sometimes feel burnt out and overwhelmed, striving to make everything flawless for everyone.

What if, instead of chasing perfection, we embraced the beauty of imperfections? Imagine focusing on laughter and meaningful conversations. With this in mind, I’m excited to propose a new approach to holiday decorating, gifting, and hosting—a thrifty, intentional, and joy-filled method that doesn’t break the bank.

The Hunt for Treasure

My favorite thing about thrifting is the hunt. You never know what you’ll find—sometimes you come up empty, but other times, you stumble upon a true gem! Giving a thrifted gift or incorporating secondhand finds into your holiday decor is surprisingly special. Anyone can buy something new, but finding a one-of-a-kind piece that feels meaningful? That takes intentionality.

Here are three ways I’ve embraced thrifting this Christmas season:

1. A gift basket put together with thrifted items, proving how beautiful and thoughtful it can be.

2. A Christmas tablescape featuring festive table settings and centerpieces.

3. Incorporating thrifted Christmas decor throughout my home!

Thrifted Gift Basket

I created this thrifted gift basket with Courtney (my fellow Prairie Sister!) in mind. Since her birthday was coming up, it was the perfect opportunity to show how thrifting can create a meaningful, personal gift.

Let me walk you through the items I found:

Basket: $5 — I lucked out and arrived when the basket section was being restocked!

Candlestick Holders: $0.50 each — Spray-painted gold to match the aesthetic.

Book: Bringing Up Boys by James Dobson, $2 — Perfect for Courtney, who loves to read and has two boys.

Picture Frame: $0.75, and Picture: $5 — I found the picture at a local Thriftmas Market.

Wooden Tray: $8 — A beautiful, ornate piece also from the market.

Puzzle: $1.50 — An activity Courtney enjoys, especially in the winter.

Shirt: $5 — Found at the same market, doubling as a basket prop.

Beeswax Taper Candles: $6.70 — Purchased during a sale at Pure Anada.

Total: $35.95 — A thoughtful, affordable gift that’s both fun to create and receive!

Christmas Tablescape

When creating a festive table, the key is finding pieces that complement each other, even if they don’t match perfectly.

For my first tablescape, I went with a classic white, red, and green theme:

Table Runner: Thrifted last year, giving vintage, neutral vibes.

Dish Set: One large plate, two small plates, and four bowls for $2.

Wine Glasses: Set of six for $1.50 — Wintery rather than Christmas-specific, making them last for a longer season!

For a second look, I swapped the table runner for greenery, transforming the vibe entirely. Pairing thrifted dishes and candles with ornaments and candlesticks I already owned created a cozy, moody tablescape perfect for gathering with loved ones.

Decor Around My Home

In the past, I filled every surface with dollar-store decorations, accumulating more than I needed. My sister Janice taught me that fewer larger pieces create a more timeless look. Now, I’m intentional about what I bring into my home.

Nativity Scene: $2 — A sweet, neutral set that sparks conversations with my kids about the true meaning of Christmas–celebrating Jesus’ birth.

Brass Bell: $0.50 — A vintage-inspired faux bell that adds understated charm without tempting little hands to ring it!

Tree Lights: $3 per set — A thrift store find that saved me from buying full price lights at the store.

Ornaments: Unique pieces that bring character to my tree!

Thrifting & Decluttering

Thrifting doesn’t have to mean accumulating clutter. Here’s how I balance loving thrifted finds with maintaining a minimal-ish home:

1. Replace, Don’t Accumulate: When you bring something new (or secondhand) home, decide what it will replace and let go of the old item.

2. Set Limits: Keep one bin for “extra decor” that’s out of season or not in use. If it doesn’t fit, it’s time to reevaluate.

3. Evolve Guilt-Free: As my style changes, I let go of thrifted items that no longer serve me. With most pieces costing just $0.25 to $3.00, it’s easier to move on guilt-free.

Plus, the money spent at thrift stores supports local charities—a win-win!

Final Thoughts

This Christmas season, I hope you feel inspired to embrace the joy of thrifting—whether you’re gifting, decorating, or hosting. It’s a sustainable, budget-friendly way to create meaningful memories while keeping the focus on joy, not perfection.

Wishing you a season filled with laughter, love, and a few thrifted treasures along the way!

Merry Christmas!