3 hacks to help you save money this Christmas

HOUSTON – You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get into the spirit of the holidays.

From the decorations to wrapping gifts, you can save by re-purposing items you already own into something new and festive.

You can also keep the kids busy and entertained by including them in the process.

Upcycling expert, Sarah Teresinski, shares 3 upcycling hacks for Christmas.

1. Upcycled Christmas Tree Décor

The options are endless when it comes to decorating a Christmas tree.

Upcycling expert, Sarah Teresinski, shares some ideas to re-purpose items for the holidays on "Houston Life." (KPRC)

To get started, just pick a theme and stick with it! You can personalize it by making your own ornaments and garland.

Upcycling expert, Sarah Teresinski, shares some ideas to re-purpose items for the holidays on "Houston Life." (KPRC)

For this Astros-themed tree, we turned white spheres into baseballs and printed out pictures of players on paper.

Upcycling expert, Sarah Teresinski, shares some ideas to re-purpose items for the holidays on "Houston Life." (KPRC)

You can also create your own garland by cutting straws in half and then using a needle and thread to string them together.

2. Upcycled gift wrapping

Think outside of your traditional options for wrapping paper.

Upcycling expert, Sarah Teresinski, shares some ways to re-purpose items for the holiday season on "Houston Life." (KPRC)

Use items found in your kitchen pantry, like aluminum foil and parchment paper.

You can also be more sustainable by using items you are gifting like a placemat, cloth napkin or kitchen towel.

Upcycling expert, Sarah Teresinski, shares some ideas to re-purpose items for the holidays on "Houston Life." (KPRC)

Get creative by using a couple of sheets of tissue paper to make a BIG Texas-sized bow for your gifts.

3. Ugly Christmas Sweater

Create your own by finding an old sweater in your closet or buying one for cheap at a thrift store.

Upcycling expert, Sarah Teresinski, shares some ideas to re-purpose items for the holidays on "Houston Life." (KPRC)

Then have fun decorating it with toys, candy, old ornaments, tinsel, gift wrapping materials, whatever you can find.

You can do no wrong when it comes to designing your own ugly Christmas sweater.

All you need a good hot glue gun to get this project going!

For more upcycling tips and ideas, click here.