Visiting Santa’s grotto is a magical experience that children eagerly anticipate each Christmas. However, creating that festive enchantment at home can often come with a hefty price tag — a challenge for families already juggling soaring holiday expenses. One inventive mum, Naomi Trevitt from Wallasey, Merseyside, found an affordable and creative solution that transformed her living room into the perfect Christmas grotto for just £8.
Naomi, a 32-year-old healthcare assistant, discovered a charming cream and green nutcracker-themed wrapping paper at her local TK Maxx and instantly envisioned using it as wallpaper. Inspired by a similar idea she’d seen from the US, she borrowed this unique trick to breathe new life into her recently painted sitting room.
Within just 90 minutes and using a mere one-and-a-half rolls of wrapping paper, Naomi completed her stunning transformation. With the addition of double-sided sticky tape costing only £2, the entire makeover was both quick and budget-friendly.
READ MORE: Monty Don Reflects on the Pressure of Filming as Gardeners' World Pauses for Winter
READ MORE: Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan Choose Separate Bedrooms to Support Busy Lives
She explains, “I followed the picture rail around the top and sides of the wall. Since the wrapping paper’s print runs horizontally, it was incredibly easy to work with and match the pattern. The result looks seamless—like actual wallpaper!”
With the festive paper in place, her living room exudes warmth and holiday cheer. Naomi’s husband and son love the new look, with her son even asking if it can be done every year. Naomi plans to continue this decorating hack, choosing different wrapping paper designs each season to refresh her living space without breaking the bank.
Naomi shared her incredible hack on social media, where it quickly went viral, racking up over 112,000 views and sparking praise from many impressed by this clever Christmas makeover. Comments like “Absolutely love it, especially with it being a nutcracker” and “So Christmassy, and so much cheaper than wallpaper!” reflect the enthusiasm around her idea.
This simple, affordable wrapping paper trick is a brilliant way to capture the festive spirit at home without the high costs. For anyone looking to add some holiday magic on a tight budget, Naomi’s creative grotto proves that a little ingenuity goes a long way.