Many renters feel that celebrating the holiday without a Christmas tree is just not the same. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that bringing a fresh-cut tree or even a large imitation tree into your Central Falls home can be an expensive dilemma – or sometimes even more.
As declared by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Christmas trees are responsible for causing an average of 170 residential fires every year, causing an average of 15 injuries, 4 deaths, and $12 million in property damage. Numbers like these demonstrate just how dangerous Christmas trees can be, and may provoke you and your landlord to search for creative alternatives.
Safety aside, the eagerness to go for a low-cost, low-hassle alternative to the traditional Christmas tree just may let your artistic side shine. A substitute Christmas tree can be constructed out of just about any material you can think of, giving you a creative new take on the traditional tree.
For example, if you have an unused space in the wall in your living room or somewhere else that is fitting, you could create a “tree” out of crepe paper or washi tape, adding ornaments that you can attach directly to the wall. For the more daring, consider making a tree out of post-it notes, using different colored notes to create the effect of green branches and colorful ornaments. You could further draw or paint a tree outline on a large canvas or chalkboard, allowing your artistic side to shine through. By using removable tape or other materials, you can easily create an affordable “tree” on your wall that can then be quickly removed.
For renters looking for a more 3-dimensional option, consider what you can create with a wooden ladder, a stack of books, or several large pieces of cardboard. Ever realize how a freestanding ladder looks like a triangle from the side? Wrap a string of lights around it and add a few decorative touches, and you have created a “Christmas tree” that you can utilize for home maintenance tasks the entire rest of the year.
For the book lover, consider creating a “tree” on a small table by creatively stacking some books. Next, you can add ornaments on top to decorate it with the true holiday feel. You can even try crafting a multi-sided “tree” out of large pieces of cardboard inserted through each other. This freestanding tree stand-in can then be painted or ornamented to improve its look and feel to accommodate whatever you need it to be.
More creative options to try to include twine and twigs. It is not that difficult to create a “tree” shape by wrapping an upside-down cone, tomato cage, or other items with twine, felt, or decorative ribbon. These outputs of your creativity can then be displayed wherever you have the area to do so. For a more rustic approach, consider trying different lengths of twigs together to create a tree-shaped twig ladder that can be drooped in a window or placed on a wall.
Innovative and low-cost, every one of these options might just be your new go-to Christmas decoration. But if you do have inquiries about what decorations your landlord will allow, it is important to communicate early and frequently with your landlord or Central Falls property manager. Eventually, they are your best guide to a safe and hassle-free holiday season. For more information about how the team at Real Property Management Providence can help, contact us online or call us at 401-272-3300.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
