First step is...

...admitting you have a problem.
Hello.  I am Natalie Soldano and I am addicted to Christmas decorations.
When I am surrounded by glitter, sparkly lights, garland...my heart swells, I become short of breath, and imagine all of the possibilities.
Then I buy.  There's no stopping it.

I'm so ashamed.

And you know it's bad when you're thankful for the solace a random, middle-aged woman gives you in the Christmas section at Target when she says, gesturing at her festive cart, "None of this was on my list....I came for TP."
Me, too, random lady.
Me, too.

The justification of it all.  When I see something lovely that belongs in my house (belongs? really? see? it all goes downhill from there), I tell myself that it is not just for ME, but for the HOUSE in which Kenny and I both dwell. It's really for the greater good of our home.
Duh.
Now, I will say this for myself: I run with the bulls at the local Dollar Tree, only "splurging" on a wreath at Target. I just wanted to clarify that I'm not running wild through Crate & Barrel, spending our savings on several of these:


Metallic Leaf Spray
$19.95

People would have to be pretty serious about their leaf spray to spend $20 a pop on spray painted foliage, of which you would need from 3-5 to use in any sufficient decorating capacity. A lone leaf spray would just not do.   
Luckily for our rent budget, we are almost done.  Just need lights on the house and a decorated tree.  Then I am left with crafting only (need to make a tree skirt and a table runner) which will run a significantly smaller bill than going out and getting them, I feel. 
Oh, who am I kidding. I still want the perfect centerpiece, doormat, wall hangings, candles...