If there’s one thing that Scandinavians absolutely nail, it’s the concept of hygge for the holidays. Making Christmas cozy is practically a national sport in Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.

Because of the long dark winter days and white snowy landscape, Nordic folks have mastered the art of creating a light and yet perfectly cozy atmosphere for the winter months.

Every year I fantasize about how to make Christmas perfectly cozy. Having lived in Germany as a kid, and being part German/Prussian descent, my mom and grandmother have always gone above and beyond to make Christmas feel magical.

So it’s natural that I inherited that bug from them.

However, one of the things that I find challenging is how to make my home feel all “Christmas-y” without it feeling all cluttered and, of course, without spending a boatload of money on stuff I’m not in love with. That’s  why I’ve compiled a roundup of amazing ideas from around the internet of 23 affordable, beautiful, and hygge Christmas decorations.

I’ve been planning this post in my mind from here nearly a year and I’m so excited I finally get to share with you!

1. Paper Mache Pinecone Bells

I absolutely love these papier-mâché and pinecone bells. They look elegant to me yet seem very simple to make. I think all you would need is some wire, papier-mâché materials, and small pinecones.

2. Concrete Minimalist Ornaments

Minimalist style decor may not be your cup of tea, however, I think these ornaments could go in any direction that you like.

You could paint them all copper, gold, or silver, or leave them blank concrete. I also thought you could try your hand at stenciling snowflakes on these cement rounds.

3. Kraft Paper Gift Wrap & Conifer Sprig

What a cute and simple way to quickly wrap a gift while still making it seem so very hygge!

All you need is a roll of class paper, and traditional painters tape from the craft supply store and of course the spring of Spruce it up. No need to spend a lot of money on fancy gift wrapping paper that you’ll just throw away.

Make it look amazing with just a few simple elements. You can easily recycle this gift wrap once you’re done. What a bonus.

4. Dried Orange Star Garland

I remember as a kid my grandmother would always make these orange and clove potpourri ornaments and send them to me in the mail.

They were utterly beautiful and ornate. I think you could make something quite similar in concept but keep it more minimal just by drying the orange peel itself and using a star cookie-cutter to make the garland.

5. Paper Clay & Twine Star Garland

Similar to the garland above, you could also make stars out of paper clay or air dry clay. You can easily pick that up at a Target or Hobby Lobby.

6. Antique Book Pages Christmas Tree

I think this is one of the cutest ways to create an epic Christmas tree and the spirit of Christmas without having to go all in on a giant tree. If you live in a small house or tiny apartments this would be great! My recommendation would be to go to the thrift store and pick out one or two maybe even just three books and get to ripping!

7. Paper & String Garland

I’m definitely going to try my hand at this project. I really like the look of this garland because it seems so simple and yet so elegant at the same time.

8. Simple Branch Wreath With Ribbon & Paper Flower

This wreath seems very springy to me in one way. However, if you used a different color ribbon like red or black or green it could easily translate to Christmas hygge decoration status.

9. Air Dry Clay Dala Horse Ornaments

It wouldn’t be a Nordic Christmas without these little wooden Dala horse ornaments.

These are made out of clay but are in the style of a very traditional wooden figurine that you find all across Scandinavia.

All you need is a cookie-cutter in this particular shape, air dry clay, and a black magic marker.

10. Easy Wax Paper Advent Calendar

I like the idea of having an advent calendar, but never see one that suits my taste. I think this would be relatively easy to make and you could also use this idea as alternative gift wrap.

This is in German and says ” Love is the true meaning of life.”

11. Simple Air Dry Clay & Cork Christmas Trees

Another Christmas project I’m definitely making this year! How easy would these be to make?!

12. Minimalist Wood Bead & Conifer Wreath

I love the impact that these colors have together. I think it could be a fun project to do with the kids as well.

I’ve seen these wooden beads at every craft supply store of ever been to. You can either find them already painted black or spray paint them black on your own.

13. Whip Stitch Handtowel Stockings

IKEA has red and white packs of cotton hand towels that would easily translate into homemade Christmas stockings.

They may need a little starch and ironing to stand up properly while hanging.

Use some kraft paper to cut out a template, whipstitch, turn inside out, iron and starch. You’re done!

14. Kraft Paper & Branch Advent Calendar

I know I’ve said I would make a lot of these ideas already. But I really want to make this one!

I think this could look good hanging over a fireplace or in the hallway. Although I would love to have an antique door, I don’t think that’s in the cards for this Christmas.

15. Branch Christmas Door Greeting

I know this is a French greeting and not really Scandinavian, but isn’t it pretty?! My husbands family were missionaries in France for many years and this is a nod to their lovely time abroad.

16. Simple Felt Circle Garland

What a delicate impact this makes. Yet, I’m sure it takes very little time to make. You could even make this with paper of any kind, newspaper or fabric.

17. Air Dry Clay House Ornaments

I think these would be very easy to make if you are at all handy with air dry clay.

18. Planter Pot Christmas Tree

A little swop out goes a long way for hygge. Rather than getting a gigantic Christmas tree and having a holder from the hardware store with a cheesy tree blanket, opt for a smaller tree and pick up a nice minimalist planter.

I also like how the theme of this tree is monochromatic, which instantly makes it look visually clean.

19. Printable Minimalist Gift Wrap

You can download this hand-drawn print or go for it on your own. I think either is a good option.

20. Monochrome Christmas Party

I love this idea because it looks so sleek and interesting, but it’s really as easy as going to Party City and picking out all white puffy part ball things and a string cut out greeting. One and done.

Also, if you’re not very DIY but want to save money this would be the perfect option with no fussing and no headache to clean up post-holiday. This could also transition easily to New Years Party Decor.

21. Easy Pinecone & Silk Ribbon “Wreath”

I think of all the projects on this list, this is one I’m going to try my hand at this year. What could be more beautiful and simple than this abstract take on a wreath?

And I’m sure it would cost next to nothing for the ribbon.

22. Watercolor Advent Calendar

This is probably the most basic advent calendar idea ever. It could even be more basic than this if you skipped the watercolor and just hand-lettered numbers for the days on nice thick pieces of paper.

So easy and so pretty.

23. Whipstitch Felt Advent Calendar

Although I believe these are actually ceramic or airdry clay, I think you could easily make these out of white felt or even fabric. Trace different designs and numbers on the front!

In conclusion

Make your Christmas hygge with these simple DIY ideas. Have some more ideas I should know about? I’d love to know what you’re planning. Also, let me know which idea you’re going to try!