'Tis the season to be merry? More like 'tis the season to have a meltdown at Target because your debit card was declined and you only have $3 in your wallet (and that's for bus fare). AM I RIGHT LADIES? The holidays can be a stressful time financially, but they don't have to be. If you're throwing a holiday party this year and want to impress your friends you don't have to break the bank. Follow these foolproof steps and you'll have a festive home in no time!

Who says you need to get an evergreen? Every year millions of trees are needlessly slaughtered. Leave the trees in the ground where they belong! What kind of houseplant do you have? A money tree? Bamboo? A cactus? Although quite prickly, cacti make very handsome Christmas trees. You can literally decorate anything and call it a Christmas tree. If your friends give you guff tell them that unlike them, you are not a tree murderer and that you care about the environment. That'll learn 'em.

Everyone likes an impromptu smooch around the holidays, but mistletoes can be expensive. Instead, try hanging an old pair of toe socks in your foyer. Everyone purchased a pair of toe socks in 2006 and you probably still have a few lying around. People will applaud your creativity.

Have a cute dog, cat, bird or rat? Pets are easily dressed up as adorable elves. Using felt or a blood stained rag, staple together a little hat. Use a cotton ball or cauliflower nub as the pom pom. Let you pet rat greet friends as they arrive for dramatic effect. ADORABLE.

If you are as broke as you say you are, you probably have tons of empty PBR cans laying around cluttering up your apartment. Buy, borrow or steal a bottle of red spray paint and go to town on them cans! Set tea lights on top of them for quick and easy candle holders. String them up using dental floss for a DIY garland. Stick one on top of your cactus tree instead of a star or angel. When Christmas is over, return them to the liquor store and get that cheddah.

Fake snow is big money if you're hoping to turn your space into a winter wonderland. Use real snow instead! Turn off you heat and open all the windows to keep the snow cold. This will also help you save on hydro. If the snow melts, now it's a pool party! Everyone wins.

He's lonely. He's also probably 50 pounds overweight and already has a sweet beard. Tell him to wear his red sweat pants and that you'll give him a can of beans for his trouble. He will oblige. Use flour to whiten his hair and beard for ultimate authenticity. You party guests will be begging to sit on Uncle Santa's knee.

Have you been putting off doing that load of whites? Bundle up your white tees and undies into three balls and make a snowman. Use dirt for his eyes and a carrot for his nose. If you don't have a carrot, try a pair of tweezers or steak knife. No one will know Frosty the snowman is made of soiled undies except you.

Ask to "borrow" LEGO from your niece, nephew, son, daughter or neighbourhood child. Using a cardboard box, make a manger. Your butter dish can act as a crib for baby LEGO Jesus. A nativity scene at a party shows that you understand and respect the true meaning of Christmas.

If you've followed steps one through eight you should have a beautifully decorated home. Sure it won't look like a Pottery Barn catalogue but who cares? Why give your hard earned pennies to "the man." Decorate this year in true Amelia Bedelia style. With all the money you saved you'll be able to buy new friends if the old ones don't like you for you. Happy holidays!