17 Unique Christmas Tree Alternatives You Can DIY

7.5-Foot Norway Spruce Classic Christmas Tree with 800 Twinkling Dual LED Lights

This affordable Christmas tree is at the very top of our holiday decor wishlist. Plus, you can't beat cozy lighting!

Terrafab Weathered Grey Barrel Gas Fire Pit

Though this gas-powered fire pit will sure come in handy during the cold holiday season, you can definitely still use it in the spring and summer for family bonfires and well into the following fall and winter for s'mores parties. Did we mention it's 64% off right now?!

8.5-Inch Light Up Musical Water TV with Santa & Sleigh

This adorable battery-powered TV decor piece features a very charming Santa in his sleigh. We love the retro flair! When powered on, Santa's pictured in warm light and plenty of dazzling glitter to some of your favorite Christmas tunes.

Wooden Triangle Santa Head Advent Calendar

We're all about advent calendars this season. The best part about this Santa design is you can use it year after year. This is definitely a fun and festive way to count down the days until Christmas!

87-Inch Midnight Gas Pyramid Patio Heater

This 50%-off pick is perfect for keeping your holiday guests warm, especially if your patio or backyard tends to be your main hosting spot. It can cover about 210 square feet for a super cozy effect.

Indoor Infinity Light Deer

This tiny deer fitted with a fun infinity mirror is ideal for decorating small spaces. You could also display it in your entryway or a front window for a bright and energetic "welcome home!"

7.5-Foot Fraser Fir Full Christmas Tree with 2800 Twinkling LED Lights

Nothing beats a Christmas tree with some warm lights. They help supply that classic Christmas look we know and love. With pre-strung LED lights, you can spend more time enjoying the season instead of decorating!

3.4-Foot Natural Reindeer with 360 Warm White LED Lights

Don't worry: we've got some goodies for you, all you yard decorators! This plug-in reindeer is crafted from a rattan material, giving it an unmatched cozy feel. It also comes ready to go with warm white LED lights that'll shine once the sun goes down.

30-Inch Flocked Noble Fir Wreath with 100 LED Lights

This faux snow-sprinkled wreath looks great on its own with its collection of cozy lights, but you could also fix it up with some ribbons and other playful holiday accoutrement to show off on your front door.

9-Foot Flocked Noble Fir Garland with 100 LED Lights

The coordinating garland is so gorgeous, too. Hang it across your mantle or along your stairwell to really up the holiday vibes!

9-Foot Douglas Fir Full Christmas Tree with 4500 Twinkling Dual LED Lights

If you prefer your Christmas and holiday decor to lean more traditional, this is the tree for you. It gives a soft, warm glow that's sure to complement any interior!

Red Shiny Shatterproof Christmas Ball Ornament

Of course, a Christmas tree wouldn't be a Christmas tree without some ornaments! We love Fortunoff Backyard Store's selection, plus you really can't go wrong with a classic ball shape.

9-Foot Red and Green Poinsettia Garland

Poinsettias always provide a warm welcome to the holiday season. Embrace Christmastime with a pop of poinsettia blooms placed tastefully throughout this decked-out garland!

11-Inch Framed Star with 400 Warm White LED Lights

The lights wound around this cheerful star-shaped decor piece have a magical twinkling effect that'll cover your front or back yard with tons of holiday cheer. The 11-inch frame is fitted with 26.2 feet of clear cable, so you can hang it how you really want it.

4.9 x 6.6-Foot Christmas LED Warm White Net Light

Net lights like these are the premier choice for decorating your yard's shrubs and bushes. They're extremely easy to install, plus the net construction ensures your lights are always evenly distributed.

23.5-Inch Infinity Light Snowman

If jolly's what you're looking for, this handsome little snowman will be the piece to complete this year's holiday decor setup! He can happily sit in a window or on top of your mantle, emitting an eye-catching design all the while.

4-Inch Glass Mercury Plaid Ball Ornament

Plaid will never go out of style when it comes to holiday decor, as far as we're concerned. Snag a few of these glass ornaments to truly deck out your tree in timeless Christmas spirit!

Fry From Futurama Christmas Ornament

How many times have you seen a TikTok viral video about a new beauty product that made you shout, "Shut up and take my money?" We won't tell anyone, but we will suggest you gift yourself this funny Futurama ornament.

Sriracha Holiday Ornament

If all you like to do is put Sriracha on your cheese eggs, you'll love this funny Christmas ornament.

JOYIN Taco & Burrito Christmas Ornaments

"Put some hot sauce on my burrito, baby" is a line you'll love saying every time you look at these Christmas ornaments.

Extra Guac Christmans Ornament

This cute guac sign deserves a spot next to your taco and burrito ornaments because who doesn't love extra toppings?

Bob Ross Molded Christmas Ornament

Ladies, Bob Ross has entered the chat and demands a space on your Christmas tree.

Diet Coke Christmas Ornament

Pop, fizz, clink! Quench your tree's thirst with this bubbly Diet Coke ornament.

Green Glass Traditional Pickle Ornaments Set of 2

Deck the halls with dill-ight! This pickle ornament adds a quirky crunch to your Christmas tree ensemble.

Kait Cup Christmas Ornament

This Stanley cup inspired ornament should be mandatory for everyone on #watertok.

Glass Charcuterie Board Ornament

Elevate your tree's taste with a miniature charcuterie board ornament. It's the perfect centerpiece for a festive feast!

Spicy Taco Combo Ornament

Spice up your tree with a taste of Tex-Mex joy! This Taco Bell meal ornament is a fiesta waiting to happen.

2" Christmas Acai Bowl Glass Ornament by Place & Time

This acai bowl ornament is a healthy and vibrant addition to your tree. It's the ultimate superfood for holiday cheer.

Glass United States Of America Passport Ornament

Jet-setting through the holidays? This passport ornament is your ticket to a tree that's well-traveled and full of adventure.

Christmas Crocs Ornament

Are you a part of the Crocs crew and have no shame admitting it? Proudly show your love for the most comfortable footwear on your tree.

Take Out Box Christmas Ornament

Bring the joy of takeout straight to your tree with this adorable takeout box ornament. No need to cook when your tree is this tasty!

Cody Foster & Co - Anchovies Can Ornament

2023 was a big year for tin fish. Show off your love for anchovies with this super chic girlypop ornament.

Champagne & Caviar Party Ornament Collection

Elevate your tree's taste with a touch of luxury! This caviar ornament is the epitome of opulence for your holiday decor.

Cup Of 'Swifter' Tea Ornament

Shake it off and deck the halls with Swiftie pride! This Taylor Swift ornament is perfect for fans who want to relive every era.

Croissant Glass Ornament

Become our little croissant with this cute glass ornament!

Pink Tennis Bag Glass Ornament

Get physical with this pink tennis bag ornament!

Skittles Christmas Ornament

Taste the rainbow with this nostalgic ornament!

Pop Star Fan Glass Ornament

Did you really think we'd only put one Swiftie ornament on this list? You should know us better than that!

Sorry I'm Booked Book Ornament

For the bookworm in your life, this "Sorry I'm Booked" ornament is the perfect way to declare your tree a nook of literary escape.

Homer Simpson Christmas Ornament

Who can forget the many hilarious memes that include Homer Simpson disappearing into shrubbery? If you can't get enough of them, this Christmas ornament was made with you in mind.

Red Wine Christmas Ornament

Of course you love drinking red wine so why not place this cute & funny ornament on your glamorized Christmas tree?

Coffee To Go Ornament

We're ignoring the fact you keep walking by your espresso machine to head to Starbucks because we get it. Nothing compares to getting your coffee to go so you can feel like the accomplished queen you are.

2024 Dumpster Fire Ornament

But is everything fine or are we lying to ourselves?

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

• What is the most effective use of my time right now?

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

• "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

• "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"