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

As holiday season looms, many families are facing a tough choice: spend more on decorations or cut back to save. According to a recent survey, 45% of Americans plan to spend less on holiday décor this year, with 30% not purchasing any new decorations at all. Prices have climbed 10% over the past year, due to tariffs and rising diesel costs. Tariffs and diesel have pushed artificial Christmas tree prices up by 10% to 15% over the past two holiday seasons, while overall holiday décor prices increased by about 10%.

But there are ways to save without sacrificing the festive spirit.

The Rising Cost of Holiday Cheer: Why Your Wallet Feels Lighter

The feeling that your holiday budget is shrinking isn't just a perception; it's a reality. The 10% increase in overall holiday décor prices, coupled with the 10-15% jump in artificial Christmas tree costs over the past two seasons, is impacting families across the country. This isn't just about a few extra dollars here and there; it's about re-evaluating how much families can comfortably spend while still creating a festive atmosphere.

The root causes are complex, stemming from global trade dynamics and logistical challenges. Tariffs, imposed on imported goods, add to the cost of manufacturing and shipping. Rising diesel prices, essential for transporting goods across the country, directly impact the price of everything from artificial trees to twinkling lights. These factors combine to create a perfect storm for holiday shoppers.

Real vs. Artificial: Which Tree Wins for You?

For those considering a real versus artificial tree, the decision is not just about cost. Real trees have a price stability advantage, with 91% of growers not planning to raise prices this season. However, artificial trees offer convenience and can be set up in under a minute. When choosing an artificial tree, consider the upfront cost and whether it will last through multiple holiday seasons.

The Allure of the Real Tree: A Wisconsin Tradition
For many families in Wisconsin, a real Christmas tree is more than just a decoration; it's a tradition. The scent of pine needles, the experience of visiting a local tree farm, and the shared memories created during the selection process are all integral parts of the holiday experience. Local tree farms, like those found around Brookfield, often offer hayrides, hot cocoa, and other festive activities that enhance this tradition. While the upfront cost may be slightly lower than an artificial tree, the annual repurchase can add up over time.

The Convenience of Artificial: A Modern Solution
Artificial trees have come a long way in recent years. No longer are they the sparse, dusty symbols of a bygone era. Modern artificial trees boast realistic foliage, pre-lit options, and easy setup mechanisms. While the initial investment is higher, the long-term cost can be lower, especially for families who value convenience and storage space. The ability to simply unpack and decorate a tree in under a minute is a major selling point for busy families.

Community Reaction

Local Impact: Adapting to Rising Costs
The rising cost of holiday décor is impacting local businesses in Brookfield as well. Tree lots and holiday shops are adjusting their strategies to accommodate budget-conscious shoppers. Some are offering smaller tree sizes, bundled decoration packages, and early-bird discounts to attract customers. Community organizations are also stepping in to provide assistance to families struggling to afford holiday decorations, ensuring that everyone can experience the joy of the season.

Shopping Strategies

Experts recommend comparing prices across retailers and buying coordinated collections rather than individual items. This approach can offer better value per piece throughout the season.

Beyond the Big Box Stores: Supporting Local Businesses
While big box stores often advertise the lowest prices, supporting local businesses can be a way to save money and contribute to the community's economic health. Local craft fairs and holiday markets often offer unique, handmade decorations at competitive prices. Furthermore, buying from local businesses helps to keep money within the community, supporting jobs and local initiatives.

What's Next

As the holiday season approaches, residents of Brookfield and beyond will continue to seek ways to decorate their homes without breaking the bank.

Looking Ahead: Inflation and Holiday Spending
The current economic climate, characterized by inflation and rising interest rates, is likely to continue impacting holiday spending in the coming years. Consumers are becoming more discerning and price-sensitive, leading retailers to offer more promotions and discounts. The long-term impact on holiday traditions remains to be seen, but it's clear that families will need to be more resourceful and strategic in their approach to holiday decorating.

Quiz: How Holiday-Smart Is Your Shopping Strategy?

Artificial Christmas tree prices have risen by what amount over the past two holiday seasons?
About 2–5% — The increase was steeper than that — tariffs and diesel costs pushed artificial tree prices up 10% to 15% over the past two seasons. That's a meaningful jump for a purchase that can run well over $100.
About 10–15% — Exactly right. 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% — 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 — Not quite — 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 — The number is much higher — 91% of wholesale growers surveyed said they don't plan to raise their prices, giving real-tree shoppers a rare piece of good news heading into the holidays.
About two-thirds — Close in spirit, but the actual figure is notably higher. The Real Christmas Tree Board found 91% of wholesale growers aren't raising prices — a strong signal for retail price stability.
91% — Correct. Nine out of ten wholesale growers surveyed by the Real Christmas Tree Board aren't planning a price increase — good news for the millions of Americans who prefer a real tree each year.
Less than a quarter — The real number is far more encouraging — 91% of wholesale growers said they're holding prices steady, suggesting most shoppers won't see real tree price spikes at the lot.

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 — Price is actually secondary. Butler said shoppers today prioritize value and functionality over raw cost — and the top feature they want is convenience: easy, fast setup and takedown.
They last longer than previous generations — Durability wasn't the focus. Butler identified convenience — specifically trees that can be set up in under a minute — as 'number one' for today's holiday shoppers.
They can be set up in under a minute — Right. 'That's number one — people are really looking for that convenience. The ease of setting up and taking down,' Butler said. Some newer models essentially pop into shape without branch-by-branch assembly.
They are made from eco-friendly materials — That wasn't the selling point Butler highlighted. The top draw is speed and ease — trees that set up in under a minute are driving buying decisions more than material sourcing right now.

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 — Post-holiday clearance is a real strategy — but Butler's specific recommendation was about buying coordinated collections rather than individual items to get better value per piece throughout the season.
Buy a coordinated décor collection rather than individual pieces — Exactly what Butler recommended. 'There’s probably money to be saved if you buy a collection rather than individual items, for sure,' he said. Collections like the My Texas House line at Walmart bundle trees, wreaths, doormats, and tree skirts together.
Only decorate the main living room — Butler actually suggested the opposite — adding small secondary trees in other rooms can freshen the whole house for less than replacing your main centerpiece tree.
Replace your main tree with a larger one — Butler specifically advised against this as the first instinct. Adding smaller trees in a bedroom or dining room gives a fresh look across the house for far less than buying a new centerpiece tree.

Embracing Creativity: DIY Decorations and Repurposing
Beyond simply saving money, embracing creativity can enhance the holiday experience. DIY decorations, using natural materials like pine cones and berries, can add a personal touch to any home. Repurposing old decorations or creating new ones from recycled materials is another way to save money and reduce waste. These creative endeavors can also become cherished family traditions, creating lasting memories for years to come.