Wander through stores right now and you would swear that it is the week before Christmas. I found myself humming carols this morning, and I was appalled! I haven't even planned my Thanksgiving menu and cannot abide the idea of making shopping lists for those who have been nice this year. I understand the need for a healthy buying season and how it impact retailers. This is the most cherished time of year — not solely because of traditions and deep meaning, but for the high sales volume. So what's a person to do with all this emphasis on materialism and consumption? You can opt out or you can modify expectations a little bit.

One year I proudly made wreaths for each of my husband's family members. I thought they were awesome, but I never, ever saw those darn wreaths again! Could it be that no one else shared my enthusiasm for the homemade gift? Probably. Parent magazines bulge with crafty ideas you are supposed to love doing with your kids. Women's magazines over flow with recipes, and I'm afraid to look at what Martha Stewart suggests we all do during the season of winter holidays. But not everyone is as enthused about the handmade decoration.

I wonder if those who live in really tiny places, such as a Manhattan studio or similar urban perches that cost an arm and a leg, might just get away with flowers and a wreath or two? A tabletop Charlie Brown-size tree is another viable option. The less you drag out in the first place, the easier the disassembling is around the first of the year. Lest you think me Scrooge-like, I adore the trimmings of the winter holidays. I've never been able to give up the decorating around my own house, but certainly have experienced years when I cut things back to a more manageable scale.

Get smart. This stunning potted amaryllis began life as a humble bulb. One healthy and showy plant like this can serve as a sophisticated replacement for the poinsettia or miniature fir tree. I have some plain red amaryllis in my fern garden; sometimes they bloom on cue in December. Planting the bulb again is an added benefit and the surprise of a winter bloom is quite fun.

If you host a holiday gathering, you can also try simple arrangement of fire engine red carnations, one of the most economically priced cut flowers. If you have pine trees on your property, cut some boughs to fill in the vase. If not, ask a neighbor or pinch a few branches on your daily walks. Don't tell anyone that I was the one who suggested you steal at Christmas.

I'm always looking down for pine cones and any other interesting items that might be used in an arrangement. For the record, I own huge pines in my backyard and I cut from my own trees. However, if a neighbor asks, I happily share. Get into the habit of saving ribbons all year long. By Christmas, you'll undoubtedly have something in your wrapping box that will lend itself to a big bow around your glass vase.

Somewhere between those "Extreme Cheapskate" shows and Neiman Marcus, you can find a balance on how much to spend on holiday decor. You simply cannot beat the prices at places like Big Lots for indoor and outdoor lights, bows, garlands, wreaths and anything else that you might imagine. Check out your local Goodwill Store or Salvation Army; they do have some seasonal decorations that might add to your supply.

This holiday decorating is kind of like getting up from a cozy nap on a Sunday afternoon to start dinner. You don't want to do it. You'd rather not have to think about cooking. Later on in the evening, when the fire is crackling and the meal is on, you are happy that you made the effort to make those yummy biscuits now slathering in delicious melting butter! This decorating stuff is the same: You are always pleased when you enter your own front door to appreciate the glow of decorations.

Photo Credit: Colorblends.com

Christine Brun, ASID, is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by email at [email protected]. To find out more about Christine Brun and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.