family fun
Budget-Friendly Holiday Ideas for Your Family By Jennifer Halter
H
oliday traditions, events and activities certainly don't need to cost a lot of money! With a little creativity and planning, you and your family can have a magical holiday season without breaking your budget. Here are some low-cost, family friendly, holiday bucket list items to help you get started.
Cook Together
Whether it’s baking your favorite cookies and desserts or preparing a dish for the neighborhood potluck, kids will have a blast helping in the kitchen while also learning valuable skills. Allow them to help with planning what to prepare by researching online or reading through cookbooks. Together, create a shopping list and budget. While prepping and cooking, let the children help with measuring, chopping and mixing. If baking cookies, allow them to channel their artistic side while creating their edible masterpieces.
Have a Holiday Movie Night
Pick your favorite holiday movie (or two) and have a movie night at home. Take your pick from the great selection on TV, or select one from your personal collection. Prepare your favorite theater snacks like popcorn and nachos. You can even get movie theaterstyle boxed candy from the dollar store as a special treat. The best part of movie night at home? Everyone can wear their comfy pajamas.
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December 2021 prince william living
Make Your Own Ornaments
Check out local craft supply and dollar stores for inexpensive items to create your own holiday ornaments. Make these for your own tree or for gift giving. (Everyone loves a homemade gift!) Be sure to include the year on your ornament, so you can reminisce about the time you made it for years to come.
Plan a Friends Night In
Celebrate the season with your friends by inviting them over for a fun meal together. You can plan a full traditional holiday with all the trimmings (have everyone bring a dish!) or keep it simple by ordering pizza and making a fun dessert!
Craft Your Own Holiday Cards
Make your own cards using recycled card fronts from last year or use your own supplies such as card stock, construction paper, markers, etc. Spread some holiday cheer to those in need by dropping off your homemade cards at local nursing homes, hospitals and veterans’ organizations. They'll appreciate knowing your family is thinking of them.
Take a Holiday Light Tour
Pack the family into the car, turn on your favorite holiday tunes and drive around the neighborhood to check out the holiday light displays. Add to the fun by having each family member rate each one and vote for their favorite.
