It gets dark at 6 p.m.; cold fronts seem to come in daily, and the flu is running rampant. Do not despair. There is hope. The holiday season is upon us. Spruce up your space with these cheap do-it-yourself projects and go from seasonal depression to seasonal celebrations.

Gallery • 3 Photos

Winter Wonderland candle holder 

Materials needed: 

Mason jar 

Paper 

Salt 

Mod Podge glue

Paintbrush 

(Optional) tealight candle to put inside 

How to make it: 

1. Set down paper to create a clean work space. Place the jar on the paper. 
2. Apply a thin coat of glue evenly around the rim and upper portion of the jar. 
3. Holding the bottom of the jar in one hand, rotate it and sprinkle salt on the glue. 
4. Leave to dry overnight. Put the tealight inside and light for a some cozy winter ambiance. 

Cozy fleece blanket 

Materials needed: 

2 pieces of fleece (60 in x 60 in pieces will make a large blanket) 

Fabric scissors 

How to make it: 

1. Place pieces of fleece with the outside of piece one facing down  and the outside of piece two facing up. Put piece two on top of piece one. 
2. Cut a 3 in x 3 in square out of each corner. 
3. Begin making 3 inch cuts around the blanket. Leave about 1 inch between each cut. Complete this on all four sides. 
4. Tie a double knot between the matching cut of the top and bottom layers. 
5. Complete all the way around the blanket.  
6. Cuddle up with a cup of hot chocolate and new fuzzy fleece blanket. 

Free flurry window décor 

Materials needed: 

Printer paper or paper of choice 

Scissors

Tape 

How to make it: 

1. Cut paper into square. 
2. Fold squat into a triangle. Repeat again 2-3 times to create a thin, cone–shaped triangle. 
3. Make cuts in different shapes around the triangle, but do not cut the entire folded edge off. 
4. Once the desired amount of cuts have been achieved, unfold the paper snowflake. 
5. Repeat until there are enough to decorate the window or surface of choice. 
6. Use clear tape to attach to glass or paint safe tape for painted surfaces.