Downsizing to an RV or small home might mean choosing a shorter Christmas tree this year.
But don’t let that dim your spirits. You’ll soon discover you’ve got many options, each bringing a different level of holiday cheer.
We’re looking at seven popular ways to let Santa know he’s still welcome in your tiny home.
Let’s deck the halls!
Small Christmas Trees Bring Big Cheer
As long as we can remember, a massive pine in the living room has been a Christmas tradition. From paintings to folk art to popular films, there’s something about a giant fir that we can’t shake. But it’s just not practical for those of us hitting the road for the holidays or working with limited space.
Embracing the small Christmas tree makes sense, especially if you’ve recently downsized from a larger home. They bring plenty of ambiance to your home, whether on wheels or not.
You can still have a reminder of the season in smaller living areas, but a simpler approach might be better. Decking your halls now won’t require 10,000 twinkling lights or a 12-foot spruce.
Few things in life are as freeing as letting go of the expectations surrounding holiday decor. So, reinvent your aesthetic when infusing your space with Yuletide joy.
A quick look on Pinterest reveals some of the most popular small tree and non-tree centerpieces. Even though you won’t need to take a whole day to decorate them, you can still load them up with presents!
Find out: Is It Safe to Have a Christmas Tree in Your RV?
Christmas Trees for Small Spaces
When the holiday season looms, putting up your tannenbaum is usually at the top of the list. But just because you’re not decorating a great room doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun. These small Christmas trees are creative and will capture the season’s spirit all the same.
#1 Christmas Pencil Tree
When working with small spaces, storage is usually at a premium. These collapsible artificial Christmas trees are very convenient for RVs or tiny homes. Most are stored flat or in a box and come pre-lit with tinsel and ornaments. They range from four to six feet tall and are usually a bit over one foot wide at the base.
They’re also affordable and perfect for the area next to your electric fireplace or tabletop. As always, you can spend as much as you want, but we’ve found them online for less than $40. And the best part is they pack away easily and quickly when the holidays are over.
Price Check: 5ft Pre-lit Pencil Christmas Tree
#2 Small Live Christmas Tree
Sometimes, having a small, live Christmas tree is exactly what you need to get you into the spirit. While several options are available online, you’ll probably find better ones near a nursery or garden center. Most of what we found are Norfolk Island Pines with needles but not the traditional shape.
Just like the full-sized version, you’ll have some upkeep with a live shrub. They require regular watering and will shed some needles.
It’s not quite as big of a commitment as a six-footer, though, and you’ll have a reminder of the holidays year-round.
#3 Tabletop Christmas Tree
If you love the idea of a small Christmas tree that looks more realistic, these are a good option. Think of them like a traditional fake version, just not as big. Usually around 18 to 24 inches, they’re readily available online, and many also come pre-lit. Some also arrive with little gift boxes, so you don’t have to look elsewhere to add tchotchkes underneath.
You can even choose flocked, tinseled, and dressed tabletop trees. Others are more traditional and resemble the small, live plants you’d get at a nursery.
One of our favorites comes in a rustic metal pot with pinecones to add a Southwestern flair to the season.
#4 Rosemary Christmas Tree
Another classic stand-in for a large Christmas tree is a small rosemary bush. A side benefit of this plant is that its scent is woodsy and aromatic, just like pine. You can usually find them at garden centers already shaped and in a festive pot. They’re also adorable by the electric fireplace, perfect for on top of the table.
Once the holiday season is over, don’t toss this useful herb in the trash. When spring comes, you can plant this hearty bush in your garden. The leaves are a welcome addition to your culinary adventures. And, if you’re on the road, just leave it in the pot and keep it trimmed for next year.
Discover The Best Drive-Through Christmas Lights in America
#5 DIY Leaf Tree
A DIY leaf tree is one way to keep small hands busy around Christmas. Most craft stores sell cardboard cones that make the perfect center for your creation. Then, glue them to the core using either dry leaves, cardstock, or felt cutouts. If you layer them right, they’ll look like a stylized version of the festive Tannenbaum.
These are so simple and fun to make you might want to do a few to put around your rig. They’re ideal as centerpieces on a holiday table and make great gifts.
#6 Wall Tree
This homemade version of a half-tree is perfect for those of us with plenty of wall space in a tiny home. Using garland purchased from a craft store, some green painter’s tape, and Command strips, it’s an afternoon project.
Simply tape out the shape you want and then use the adhesive strips to attach the pine garland. Fill in the body and fluff up your branches before decorating. It’s a quick, good-looking way to capture the season’s spirit.
Of course, you can purchase half trees online that do the same thing in a pinch. But if you’re hosting little ones, it’s a fun project to take on.
#7 Tomato Cage Christmas Tree
Sometimes, you just want a minimalist, small Christmas tree. This project uses a couple of easy-to-find supplies and a few minutes to achieve that look.
Start with a standard tomato cage turned upside down and secure the top with floral wire. Then, wrap a pine garland around it from the bottom to the top.
For a more rustic look, keep it loose and expose the gaps. But to make it more traditional, purchase an extra garland or two and really fill in the cage.
Add Holiday Spirit to Small Spaces
Downsizing doesn’t have to squash your holiday spirit. Embrace your space with these small Christmas trees that bring plenty of cheer to the party.
The perfect one is out there whether you’re shopping online or in a local nursery. In the end, it’s the memories you make that matter the most.
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: