With Christmas shopping and the rush to buy gifts, attend parties and keeping up with traditions, the holiday fun turns to chaos and can be stress-filled, particularly when school breaks start and the kids land at home all day.
But there are some ways to restore the fun with family through holiday activities without overspending.
Let’s explore creative, affordable ways to make this holiday season unforgettable, full of warmth, laughter, and joy—without the stress of overspending.
The holidays are a special time for families to see a child’s face light up at a display of holiday lights and the delicious smell of cookies.
Here are some holiday activities that can be shared with the family.
Gingerbread houses are one of the best holiday family activities there is. Skip the prefab house from the supermarket and make gingerbread at home.
Holiday lights tours are great and get the family out of the house. There are usually many light displays in the area and Christmas displays to visit. Put down the cell phones and walk or drive to the best-lit houses and make the trip cozy with a Thermos of hot chocolate and holiday cookies as a snack – and make some memories.
Pinecone bird feeders are a kid-favorite activity. Slather the pinecone in peanut butter and roll it birdseed and hand from a tree or bird feeder near a window and watch as grateful birds or squirrels show up for a treat.
Decorate the front door (or the child’s) like a present. With a bit of wrapping paper and a ribbon or bow, the front door can be transformed into a giant gift. Break out the glitter , markers and stickers if very brave. Having a holiday movie night to watch with children can become a tradition that will be passed on to other generations. Gather round with a bowl of popcorn and select several favorite Christmas movies for the evening can be fun for the whole family (and put the cell phones away).
Making popcorn and cranberry garland has been around for years but can double as a fun family activity for older children and an inexpensive decoration for the tree.
Crafts such as red and green paper chains can be turned into a holiday activity. On each link of the chain, write something to be grateful for.
Music can transform a mindset in just a few seconds and there are many people in the community who cannot get out easily to share in holiday cheer. Put a list of carols together and gather family and friends to visit elderly neighbors, nursing homes or hospitals to bring joy to many hearts and share in the spirit of Christmas. Find out what holiday performances are going on the area and take a chance on a lot of fun.
If lucky enough to have snow, build a snowman, make snow angles and have some snowball fights followed by some hot chocolate.
Donating gently used toys can be a great opportunity to install empathy and caring into children. Before the kids get new toys at Christmas, have the pick out a few of their toys to give to a child who could use the comfort of a new toy. Gather up the selected toys and donate them to a women and children’s shelter. Sending holiday cheer to soldiers stationed overseas is always a fun activity that can involve family bonding time and giving back to those who serve by making care packages and having kids make a few holiday cards.