The holiday season is officially upon us, and although it is the merriest time of the year, it can be difficult to find things to do that are fun for everyone without emptying your wallet. These activities can help all of you keep the Christmas spirit in your hearts while spending time with your loved ones this holiday season. Here are 10 low-cost family activities to ring in the holiday spirit without breaking the bank.
Driving around to see how your community decks the halls is a time-honored tradition. Hop in the car, turn on some holiday tunes, and watch as every family member is dazzled by the displays around town. You can even bring a festive treat to enjoy along the way.
If you want to spend a little, try looking for zoo light events in your area. Many zoos and animal centers put up holiday light displays so the whole family can enjoy the lights and the sights of the animals. Tickets are usually fairly inexpensive. If you're local to Cache Valley, check out Zootah in Logan.
A gingerbread house, that is. This time-honored tradition is sure to bond the family on a budget. Grocery store kits can get expensive, so try baking gingerbread at home!
You can even divide into teams and compete to make the best gingerbread house. Many people take to social media to share their creations and holiday cheer, and let your friends, family, and followers vote on who did best!
It’s a tradition that spans generations. Family and friends get together to spread joy and goodwill with cheery music. Caroling is an iconic part of the holiday season. If you live in an area where you know your neighbors and the streets are safe, you can carol in your neighborhood. If you don’t, consider making an appointment with an area nursing home or assisted care facility. These places are often in need of some cheer during the holidays.
You can find sheet music for most holiday classics for free online. You can also find “karaoke” mixes to download onto a smartphone or tablet to help keep your merry ensemble on key. Spending some of your time together practicing is also a good idea. What’s important isn’t how good you sound, though. It’s the fun you have and the joy you spread.
Many churches, food kitchens, and other outreach centers offer Christmas dinners for the less fortunate. Spending some holidays caring for those with little to nothing can also help keep your family focused on what’s important. It can help the whole family truly feel the spirit of the season.
There are plenty of causes to choose from. In the days after Christmas, many animal shelters are overwhelmed with “presents” that didn’t quite work out. The overworked volunteers at these shelters need help cleaning up and exercising scared, confused animals. Consider doing some good with your family this Christmas.
Try playing a game if you want to have some light-hearted fun with your family at Christmas! Whether you choose a classic like charades, a card game, or a board game like Monopoly, it's likely to get everyone in the Christmas spirit and have fun.
Better yet, if you have a family member who enjoys board games, you can double the fun by gifting them a new one for the whole family to try out on Christmas Day.
If you’re like most families, someone recorded treasured times to document them for posterity but either never watched them or hasn’t blown the dust off them in years.
Make this Christmas a time to break that tradition. Pick a year and watch the Christmas or birthday parties. Think back to what life was like then and how many things have changed. Embarrass the kids in front of their spouses or significant others. You might find it’s a great way to start a new family tradition!
Many performing art schools and amateur dance troupes put on productions of “The Nutcracker” around Christmastime. This can be a low-cost way to see a high-culture event. The ticket price is usually low; some organizations even offer free admission with a canned goods donation. You and your family can take in a fancy show while supporting young and emerging artists. Check out online community calendars for showtimes, such as the Brigham City Community Calendar and the Logan Community Calendar.
If snow is on the ground, it's a perfect opportunity to bundle up and get outside to make some holiday memories! Whether you build a snowman, a snow castle, or even go sledding, this can be a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy. Don't forget appropriate gear, such as hats, waterproof gloves, and warm coats!
Though you might think of crafts as a child-centered activity, they can be fun for people of all ages! Try making salt dough or painted pine cone ornaments, thread some popcorn or oranges into a garland, or cut snowflakes out of paper. Art has been shown as a great way for adults and kids alike to have fun being creative, and a lot of holiday crafts can be made with materials you can already find around the house.
Take a look around for local holiday events and festivals. From parades to tree lighting ceremonies to craft fairs, there are often low-cost and free holiday offerings if you look around. Santa is also a frequent guest at these gatherings, so the kiddos can tell him their holiday wishes.
No matter what you do this holiday season, it’ll be special because you do it together. From all of us here at Elevate Credit Union, have a safe and happy holiday. Keep up with all our best holiday advice on our MoneySmart Tips Blog.