Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    In a world full of so many different house styles, it can be a little challenging just to narrow down your own home's architectural style, let alone edit the list down to your favorite style or understand the distinctions characteristic to each house style. We'll show you the 10 most popular American house styles, including Cape Cod, French Country, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, Cottage, Mediterranean, ranch-style, and Contemporary.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    Whether you're a beginning baker just starting out or a master chef looking to declutter, we'll help you set up a beginner's baking essentials kit with 21 tools. For anyone who already owns these handy baking tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to get rid of that soufflé dish you never use. Building your baking equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Christmas
  3. Christmas Planning Tips
  4. Genius Christmas Hacks

Genius Christmas Hacks

Sarah Martens headshot
By Sarah Martens
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
post-it christmas tree on orange wall
Get ready for the season with our clever Christmas hacks to simplify the holidays. Including crafty Christmas wrapping ideas, must-try ideas for hosting guests, and why-didn't-I-think-of-that Christmas shortcuts, our tips for the holiday season are guaranteed to make your life easier.
Start Slideshow

1 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Make a Post-It Christmas Tree

post-it christmas tree on orange wall
Christmas Checklist

Whether it's in your cubicle or your hallway at home, sticky notes are a totally easy way to add holiday cheer to a small space or blank wall. Bonus: You can even make one using holiday cards or Instagram photos.

1 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Make a Wreath from Cardboard

light blue front door with cardboard wreath
Credit: Matthew Clark

Yep, this gorgous DIY holiday wreath started as a piece of cardboard. This dollar store hack is inexpensive, easy, and looks stunning. Use classic elements like evergreen, lambs's ear, and white berries for a look that will last all season.

  • Learn how to make it!

2 of 29

3 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

DIY Christmas Ornament Storage

Storing Christmas Ornaments

Inexpensive felt is all you need to create this Christmas hack. To keep delicate ornaments from breaking, store them in boxes with individual felt wrappers. For the easiest Christmas decoration storage, fill slim boxes and top with another layer of felt.

3 of 29

Advertisement

4 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Create a Feel-Good Advent Calendar

Create your own DIY Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar.
Credit: Alice & Lois

This Christmas decorating hack does double duty. Create a beautiful advent calendar that also gives back. Simply print our acts of kindness instructions and fill mini envelopes with a good deed for each day. Hang on your wall and encourage the spirit of the season.

  • Get the complete DIY instructions

4 of 29

5 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Use Fir Trimmings Instead of Purchasing a Wreath

Tree Branch Christmas Wreath

Hold your wallet right there! Don't splurge on a wreath that gets displayed just once a year. Make your own using the trimmings fresh from your tree fanned out as a star. Red sprigs from the dollar store dress it up.

5 of 29

6 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Build a Cookie Tree as a Display

Cookie Christmas Tree
Our Best Cookies

The cookies-in-a-tin days are over. Win the cookie exchange competition with not only great taste, but a showstopping display. We'll show you how to stack these coconut spritz cookies into a stunning DIY Christmas centerpiece.

Get the recipe. 

6 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Staple a DIY Cupcake Garland

Cupcake Holder Garland

Cupcake wrappers are so underrated. This DIY garland starts with folded overlapping wrappers and comes together with just a few staples. Now that’s a Christmas party stunner.

7 of 29

8 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Turn Cookie Cutters into Ornaments

Cookie Cutter Ornaments

A quick ribbon-wrap turns holiday baking supplies into trendy tree baubles. Put a tiny bit of tape (instead of glue) at the beginning and end points and you'll be able to reuse the set to shape cookies next year.

8 of 29

9 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Make Scrabble Tiles into Place Settings

SIP897288

A bit of double-stick tape lets you borrow your board game supplies as nifty table settings. Spell out a greeting or a guest's name, then set atop the dinnerware for a kickoff to the night's conversation.

9 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chill Wine with Frozen Cranberries

100156328_072507

Your wine bucket just gained the spotlight on your dinner table. Lay cranberries on a shallow tray and run just enough water to cover them. Freeze, then break into pieces. Add to your ice bucket with a collection of fir cuttings, and pop some bubbly.

10 of 29

11 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Glue Crafts Sticks to Make a Snowflake Tree Tropper

Snowflake tree topper

Crown your tree with the prettiest of snowflakes. A bunch of crafts sticks spray-painted white and hot-glued together make an easy, zero-stress Christmas tree topper. Attach to your tree using no-show fishing line.

  • Snowflake Christmas Crafts

11 of 29

12 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Make an Advent Calendar from a Muffin Tin

Christmas countdown

Craft yourself a Christmas countdown in no time with our do-it-yourself calendar. You'll need a muffin tin with 24 cups; a circle cut from adhesive magnet sheets for each cup; and fun trinkets, notes, and candies for gifts. Simply number the circles (one for each day leading up to Christmas) and fill each cup with a surprise before covering with a magnetic circle. Hang on a wall with festive ribbon.

  • More gorgeous DIY advent calendar crafts.

12 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Label Christmas Gifts with Family Pictures

Photo Gift Tags

Add a little extra festive cheer to your gifts by using family snapshots in the place of name tags. Simply print digital photos on white cardstock, cut into decorative shapes, and attach to your presents.

  • Try our other Christmas crafts ideas this holiday season.

13 of 29

14 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Personalize a Clear Ball Ornament

Paper-Stuffed Christmas Ornament

Plain transparent ornament balls get a personalized update when stuffed with meaningful keepsakes. We opted for sheet music from a favorite carol, but old Christmas letters and other memorabilia work well, too.

  • Get the step-by-step!

14 of 29

15 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Use Family-Favorite Photos to Make an Everlasting Garland

101897286
Easy DIY Christmas Decor

Display your favorite holiday memories year after year with a DIY photo garland. Use snapshots taken during the season and mount them onto pieces of cardstock; add scrapbooking label holders as IDs. Hang the photos from plain or colored twine using clothespins. You can reuse the same garland each year or switch out old photos with new ones.

15 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Make a Mason Jar Lid Ornament

christmas ornament mason jar lid
Credit: Matthew Clark

This Mason jar Christmas craft is as easy as gluing faux greenery to the lid of a jar. Finish the look with small jingle bells and use it to add a farmhouse touch to your Christmas tree. We also love how these mini wreaths look as holiday package toppers.

  • Try our best Mason jar Christmas crafts

16 of 29

17 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Use Scissors to Cut Cookie Balls into Holiday Blossoms

SIP914624

Get ready for your Christmas cookie exchange with our adorable holiday blossom cookies. Roll sugar cookie dough into balls, roll in colored decorative sugar, and snip to form lovely flowers. See how!

  • Use this sugar cookie dough to make these pretty flowers!

17 of 29

18 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wrap Gifts with Fabric

Scrappy gift wrap

Save money, save time: Those are the end goals of any holiday hacks. Try to repurpose what you already have for unique, fun wrapping -- say fabric scraps for smaller presents that can travel with you without worry of paper ripping or bows bending. Place your box in the center of the fabric and tie the ends together in a tight knot.

  • Buy It: Adorable Christmas Decor Under $10

18 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Decorate with Leftover Ornaments

Ornaments in Cloches

Too many decorations and not enough tree? Here's a pretty Christmas mantel hack that involves minimal effort: Simply organize your orbs in a glass cloche (turn the cloche upside down and fill it carefully with different-size ornaments to pack them in tightest). When you're happy, turn it over and place on a plate for the ultimate mobility.

  • Adorable Ways to Decorate for the Holidays

19 of 29

20 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Store Christmas Lights on Tension Rods

Store Christmas lights on tension rods

Skip the Christmas-light stress. Instead of piling your lights in storage boxes or wrapping them in circles, opt for a tangle-free option. The trick to storing your lights mess-free is by wrapping the individual strands around your hand, transferring them to tension rods, then fitting the tension rods to a plastic storage container.

  • 13 Expert Tips for Dazzling Christmas Lights

20 of 29

21 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wrap Grocery Items as Gifts

Cakewalk Cake Mix Food Gift
Sweet Holiday Food Gifts

The shelves at the grocery store are filled with quick and easy gift ideas. To make this cake mix gift, simply wrap your favorite mix in a Christmas-theme fabric (or table runner!); sew or hot-glue closed. Add handles by sewing or hot-gluing ribbon to the package, then attach small bags of decorations for a finishing touch.

21 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Create an Advent Calendar with Ornaments

Christmas countdown

No time to craft at the holidays? You're not alone. Instead of the time-consuming handiwork necessary for a from-scratch Advent calendar, make this fuss-free one. Simply hang extra ornaments from a cork or felt board, along with a number for each day.

22 of 29

23 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Reuse Tangled Light Strands

Burning Bush

Christmas lights balled up after last year's display? Instead of throwing them out, turn your tangled outdoor lights into a showstopping spectacle by laying them in a planter and topping with branches.

  • Outdoor Christmas Light Ideas You Haven't Tried Before

23 of 29

24 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Use Ice Cream Cones to Turn Cupcakes into Christmas Trees

Oh Tannenbaum Cupcakes
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Create the perfect Christmas cupcake with our tannenbaum design. The secret to the leafy topping? Place an ice cream cone upside down atop your snowy white-frosted cupcakes, then pipe green frosting to the cone for the leaves. Carefully add edible pearl candies for ornaments.

  • Make other Christmas-theme sweets with our full collection of Christmas cookie ideas.

24 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Add Layers to Your Christmas Wreath with Faux Leaves

Layered Leaf Wreath

Enhance Christmas greenery with layers of faux leaves, pinecones, and other winter foliage. Take inspiration from this design: We used faux lemon leaves, deep red poinsettia petals, and copper magnolia leaves to bulk up the Christmas wreath.

  • Learn more about this project.
  • See more beautiful Christmas wreaths.

25 of 29

26 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Use Plastic Storage Boxes for Gifting Candy and Cookies

Triple Chocolate Truffles
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Who knew? Household items, such as plastic storage boxes, can make pretty gift packaging when updated with holiday-theme fabric. For the chocolate truffles pictured here, simply use candy cups to separate each luscious truffle.

26 of 29

27 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Label Your Christmas Decorations

101471499.jpg

Keep your Christmas decorations organized by marking similar accessories based on their holiday location. For example, if you have artificial garlands cut to fit a stair railing, mantel, and sideboard, hang a labeled tag from each section for easy identification, or store them separately in clearly marked bags.

27 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Make Your Own Wrapping Paper

gift wrap, gift, ribbon

This handmade stamped wrapping paper is one of our favorite Christmas gift hacks. It's an inexpensive way to transform plain paper into stunning holiday wrapping paper.

  • Get the complete DIY instructions.

28 of 29

29 of 29

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Make Your Grocery Shopping Do Double Duty

gifts

Transform those pantry staples into a super sweet food gift. This Christmas hack is as easy as packaging up pancake mix, syrup, and milk for a simple holiday gift idea.

29 of 29

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Sarah Martens

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 29 Make a Post-It Christmas Tree
    2 of 29 Make a Wreath from Cardboard
    3 of 29 DIY Christmas Ornament Storage
    4 of 29 Create a Feel-Good Advent Calendar
    5 of 29 Use Fir Trimmings Instead of Purchasing a Wreath
    6 of 29 Build a Cookie Tree as a Display
    7 of 29 Staple a DIY Cupcake Garland
    8 of 29 Turn Cookie Cutters into Ornaments
    9 of 29 Make Scrabble Tiles into Place Settings
    10 of 29 Chill Wine with Frozen Cranberries
    11 of 29 Glue Crafts Sticks to Make a Snowflake Tree Tropper
    12 of 29 Make an Advent Calendar from a Muffin Tin
    13 of 29 Label Christmas Gifts with Family Pictures
    14 of 29 Personalize a Clear Ball Ornament
    15 of 29 Use Family-Favorite Photos to Make an Everlasting Garland
    16 of 29 Make a Mason Jar Lid Ornament
    17 of 29 Use Scissors to Cut Cookie Balls into Holiday Blossoms
    18 of 29 Wrap Gifts with Fabric
    19 of 29 Decorate with Leftover Ornaments
    20 of 29 Store Christmas Lights on Tension Rods
    21 of 29 Wrap Grocery Items as Gifts
    22 of 29 Create an Advent Calendar with Ornaments
    23 of 29 Reuse Tangled Light Strands
    24 of 29 Use Ice Cream Cones to Turn Cupcakes into Christmas Trees
    25 of 29 Add Layers to Your Christmas Wreath with Faux Leaves
    26 of 29 Use Plastic Storage Boxes for Gifting Candy and Cookies
    27 of 29 Label Your Christmas Decorations
    28 of 29 Make Your Own Wrapping Paper
    29 of 29 Make Your Grocery Shopping Do Double Duty

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Genius Christmas Hacks
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.