Affordable ways to enjoy the holidays this season

 

Fun family activities during the holiday season do not have to have a high price tag. By doing a little research and pre-planning, many families can enjoy free or inexpensive kid-friendly entertainment during the holidays that can create lasting cherished memories. Here are a few ideas:

Make your own decorations
Decorating your house for the holidays can be expensive both in purchasing the items and on your electric bill. The easiest way to save money is to make your decorating simple. For example, don’t hang as many lights as you have in previous years.  You can use some extra time to make handmade gifts and ornaments, bake special treats, learn to play holiday music on an instrument, enjoy the beauty of nature in a season that is usually rushed and frantic, and have one-on-one time with your family.

Look for free local holiday activities

Churches, local businesses and public libraries usually run festive activities during the holidays. These events are almost always free of charge. Holiday church functions range from plays to musicals, to live nativities. They usually love to have the public attend these events. You can find out about various public holiday functions in your local newspaper.

Take your kids to holiday parades
Nearly every city has an annual holiday parade. They typically take place sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Local parades are a source of free fun that can turn into a yearly tradition. Many times, free entertainment takes place before the actual parade as well. Adults and children alike enjoy watching decorated floats, marching bands, horses, Santa, and everything else that makes up a typical parade. If you and your family absolutely love parades, you can attend ones in neighbouring cities as well.

Shopping malls

Shopping malls are usually beautifully decorated for the holidays, and it can be a treat in itself to visit them and admire the decorations. Walking around, window shopping, and enjoying light refreshments can make for a very pleasant evening. If you keep an eye on the shopping centre's website, you will probably notice some free activities they will have around the holiday as well. Some of these free activities include concerts, tree lighting, indoor parades, visits from Santa, and free horse-drawn carriage rides.

Host a potluck dinner
If your family hosts a dinner for family and friends, make it a potluck dinner. Ask each family to make their favourite dish or drink to bring to the dinner.  As the host of the party, you can provide the main course.  This will help take the burden off your budget and still enjoy a wonderful holiday dinner. It will also allow others to showcase their signature dishes.

The holidays are a time to celebrate with loved ones. This does not imply you should spend more money than you have. A celebration should be enjoyed by all. Celebrating it with family and friends is all that is required to enjoy your holidays.