Christmas is right around the corner and like always, I couldn’t be more excited. The holiday season can be pretty hectic due to all the gift shopping, events, decorating, and big family meals but this is also the perfect time to slow down and enjoy loved ones.
My husband and I were actually talking about foregoing traditional Christmas one year and taking a nice vacation instead. I brought this idea up to my son and he was hesitant to jump on board. Then I asked him what we got him for Christmas two years ago and he couldn’t name anything. Point proven!
The truth is, gifts are nice and I love to surprise my son and be generous to others. However, material things aren’t what’s most important and you won’t remember them much later down the line. Some things we all cherish are quality time together and the memories we make.
The best part is that it doesn’t cost much money to do something fun with family and make memories. You don’t have to take a big trip or even leave the house in some cases. If you’re looking for free or cheap things to do for Christmas to celebrate the holidays this year, I highly recommend you take my 25 Days of Christmas Challenge.
25 Days of Christmas
The 25 Days of Christmas Challenge includes a list of budget-friendly Christmas activities that you can enjoy with your friends and family. Each day of December (leading up to Christmas day) there will be an activity to do. You can do things at your own pace and double up and do multiple activities when you have time like on weekends for example.
The idea is just to slow down and focus on truly savoring this holiday season. This time of year seems to fly by way too fast and you don’t want to regret not prioritizing what’s important.
The challenge is pretty flexible and this list of activities is not exhaustive by any means but a good idea of fun activities to get your creative wheels turning.
1. Drink Hot Chocolate and Read a Christmas Story
Nothing beats cuddling up on the couch with a good book and a warm cup of hot chocolate. We have a fireplace so I will definitely be scoring some relaxing reading time by the fire this holiday season. If you have kids, read them a few Christmas stories at night or simply get into a good holiday-themed book yourself.
2. Make Christmas Cards to Send
Sending Christmas cards may sound so 1995 but it’s a great way to spread holiday cheer and let important people in your life know that you’re thinking about them. These days, you can make custom holiday cards with family photos or you can simply pick some up at the store to mail off to friends and family.
3. Bake Christmas Cookies
This super easy and fun holiday tradition is a must. Have a lazy night where you bake cookies and watch Christmas movies.
4. Family Board Game or Card Game Night
This is one of the best cheap Christmas activities that the whole family can enjoy. You can buy Christmas-themed board games like bingo, the Christmas Scavenger Hunt game, and 12 Days. Or, make up your own games like trivia and charades
5. Watch 1-2 Holiday Movies
Grab your favorite holiday movies from the library or discover new ones on streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu.
6. Go Sledding
If there is snow in your area, find a nice hill, bundle up and go sledding with friends or family. We found our sleds for free a few years ago (someone in our neighborhood was getting rid of them), but you can still find some pretty affordable ones online or in thrift stores.
7. Attend a Christmas Play or Concert
If you have kids in school, you probably already love going to their holiday concerts for free. Another option is to check out local Christmas plays and concerts in your area. High school performances or plays put on by your local park district may have a fee for admission but it shouldn’t cost much and you’ll still see an organized and quality performance
8. Donate Some of Your Old Clothes
An end-of-year decluttering session is the perfect way to purge your home or unwanted and unused items so you don’t take them into the new year. Try to sell some of your item but be sure to donate the rest. There are likely plenty of people who could benefit from your things.
9. Make a DIY Christmas Gift For Someone
When it comes to giving gifts, it’s really the thought that counts. Tap into your creative side and consider trying out some of these DIY Christmas gifts.
10. Invite a Friend Over For Dinner
You don’t have to be the best hostess to plan a holiday dinner with friends. Step out of your comfort zone and invite a friend over for a nice home-cooked meal. Enjoy good conversation, cheap wine, and play a few games or watch a movie.
For the full list, grab a copy of the 25 Days of Christmas Challenge. No email needed, just click the image below!
I hope this countdown to Christmas is your best yet and you enjoy being fully present while building long-lasting memories.
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