Cheap Holiday Family Fun. I think that title sums it up for this year. The economy is scary and even if you're in a good place so many people are afraid to spend money. At the very least, many of us are being careful with money this year.
There are still plenty of fun family things to do on a budget. How about.....
We decided to skip the annual Nutcracker performance and expensive holiday symphony concert this year. Have we missed it? Not at all. Have we kept busy with other ideas? You betcha!
Here are some ideas we have tried or our friends have tried this year:
Create a "family fun night" and watch a holiday movie. Either rent it, borrow it from a friend or check the TV listings and watch it. Have a fun dinner. Pizza, spaghetti, or mac-n-cheese. Some kind of kid favorite dinner. or do it later and have a snack like popcorn. Gather everyone, put on your pajamas if the kids want, light a fire, cozy up under blankets. If it's a classic movie or show tell stories of how you watched it as a kid.
Make a gingerbread house. Buy an inexpensive kit. If your family is large enough buy 2, 3 or more and laugh as each person or team creates their masterpiece.
Decorate felt Christmas stockings bought at a dollar store with fabric paint.
Plan a day outside. If you're lucky enough to live in a cold climate go sledding, ice skating or on a snow hike.
Walk around your neighborhood at night and enjoy the decorations. Come home and have hot chocolate and cookies.
Go downtown and enjoy the lights and crowds.
Plan a cookie baking afternoon. Not a baker? Get those slice and bake holiday cookies.
Visit a nursing home and watch the smiles.
Give time to a charity as a family. Find a charity and pack food boxes or wrap presents. Plenty of options out there.
Go see a holiday parade.
Look at your community or city website. Many have Christmas celebrations or holiday concerts.
Investigate the local high schools. Many have holiday plays or concerts. You'd be surprised how good some of these can be. These are usually free or ask for a food donation.
Have a few friends over to trim the tree or just visit. Keep it simple and ask everyone to bring a snack or beverage to share.
Invite friends over to watch a classic or favorite holiday movie.
Host a white elephant party. Ask everyone to bring a snack or beverage to share. Get the kids involved. They'll love the funny ideas and enjoy the stealing and trading that goes along with the game.
Merry Christmas!
Published by Robin Dary on December 17, 2008 12:21 PM
