I swore that I would keep things simple (read: no DIY projects) this Christmas, but my strong DIY instincts kicked in and I had an idea. Why not make a nutcracker garland? 

Christmas garlands can transform any area of your home for the holidays -- and this one was made for mere pennies. Read on to learn just how easy it is to make.

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Once I spied these adorable and colorful nutcracker paper cutout gift tags, my mind went right into that "what can I do with these?" mode. And boom -- the nutcracker garland idea was born.   

What did I pay for these gift tags? $1.82 at Wal-Mart. For 12 tags. Certainly can't beat that for price! Little did I know until I opened the package that the little nutcracker tags were velvet! They're very luxe for gift tags and I absolutely love them.

I proceeded to hang a faux evergreen and magnolia leaf garland over the kitchen window (with small 3-M clear hooks - one on each end), then I added six nutcracker tags with simple wire ornament hangers. Easy peasy. Lastly, I added some remote controlled LED candles to the window sill for a warm, cozy effect.     

The candles were originally used on the tree last year. 

I set them to flicker mode and they look so pretty, from both the inside and the outside.