There is something so magical about holiday decorating. Being away from home and on the road for the holidays doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the magic. Whether you’re working the holidays or taking some time to yourself to recharge between assignments, adding some holiday sparkle to your space can make your short-term housing feel more like home.
The best part? You don’t have to haul the heavy bins of decorations across the country; just a few small, travel-friendly touches can bring big holiday cheer.
Here are some budget-friendly ways to deck the halls this season. 🎄
7 Holiday Decorating Ideas for Short-Term Housing
1. Keep Your Decor Mini 🕯️
Think small but mighty when it comes to your decor choices: mini trees, candles, stockings, and string lights go a long way in transforming your space. Target and Walmart both have some adorable, inexpensive options.
Tip: Choose battery-powered lights to avoid cords and the need for an outlet, and they are easier to pack for your next assignment.
2. Wrap It Up (Literally) 🎁
We all get boxes from our Amazon orders. Why not turn those empty boxes into faux presents? Such a simple yet fun holiday decorating tip! Wrap a few in cute, festive paper and stack them near your TV stand, entryway, or window. It’s a cute, low-cost way to add color and holiday vibes.
🎀Bonus: You can reuse the paper or ribbon to wrap real gifts later!
3. Bake (or Fake) the Scents of the Season 🍪
There is nothing that says “home for the holidays” better than the smell of cookies, cinnamon, or pine. Even if you aren’t into baking or have a pine tree, plug-in warmers, essential oils, or candles will do the trick.
Holiday favorite scents: Vanilla bean, sugar cookie, and evergreen.
4. Bring the Cozy Vibes ❄️
Swap your usual throw blanket for something plaid, fuzzy, or snowflake/Christmas-themed. Add a holiday pillow cover (MUCH easier to pack than full pillows!) or hang a festive mug hook in the kitchen,
Small changes mean big cozy energy.
5. Create a Travel-Friendly Holiday Display ✉️
Print some of your favorite photos from assignments and string them up with fairy lights. Add the Christmas cards you receive from family and friends. These are easy to pack away when you move to your next location.
6. DIY Decor That Packs Flat 🌟
Remember your elementary days, when making snowflakes from paper was a yearly holiday tradition. Paper snowflakes, garlands, or cut-out stars take up no space at all and add some holiday charm. A small craft session between shifts can help you unwind and relax.
7. Keep it Simple and Meaningful ❤️
When you are constantly moving, the best decor choices are the ones that remind you of your why: adventure, purpose, and connection. Add a keepsake ornament from each assignment or a small symbol of your favorite holiday tradition.
It truly is less about where you celebrate and more about how you make it yours. 🎄
Celebrate Wherever You Are ✨
No matter where your current assignment takes you, snowy mountains, sunny beaches, or some place in between, you can make your space sparkle this holiday season.
Check out our Travel Nurse Job Board to plan your next adventure, because who says your next contract can’t come with a view of twinkling lights?
🎅 From all of us at The Gypsy Nurse, happy holidays and happy decorating!
