Enjoy an Affordable Winter Holiday With the Family
Each year, bills seem to pile up around the holidays. When you’re buying gifts, attending events, and decorating the house, countless demands get placed on your pocketbook. If you’re looking for budget-friendly ways to enjoy an affordable winter holiday with the family, explore the following fun activities that won’t break the bank.
Be Energy Efficient With Your Lighting
If you’re still using old incandescent lights to decorate your home, make a change. LED lights are as much as 75 percent more efficient than traditional holiday bulbs. They also last 25 times longer, meaning you won’t have to replace them every year. That longevity can add up to a large savings over the holiday season.
Another great way to reduce energy costs over the holidays is to unplug any electronics and appliances around your home if you plan to be out of town.
Host a Family Fun Night
Many people have plenty of old movies, books, and board games around the house. Choose a handful of your holiday favorites, wrap them up, and place them under the tree. On family fun night, select a few of the “gifts” from the pile, and enjoy watching, reading, or playing whichever surprise you unwrap.
Other great options include checking the TV listings for holidays shows the family can watch together, heading to the library to experience some classic holiday tales, or wrapping up a shoebox filled with fun activities for each of the 12 days of Christmas.
Make Holiday Memories
Want to create new traditions that take the holidays to the next level? Set up a hot chocolate station with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and caramel sauce in your living room. Then use sheets and pillows to build a fort and host a campout in the same space. Turn off all the lights, except the Christmas tree, and light the fireplace. Snuggle up together in the warm glow of the fire, and share your favorite holiday memories.
Get Crafty
Who says you have to spend large amounts of money decorating your house for the holidays? Instead of overspending on inflatable lawn ornaments, flashing lights, and glass tree bulbs, try making your own holiday decorations. Some fun and easy ideas include cutting paper snowflakes, building a gingerbread house, stringing popcorn to use as garland, and making salt dough ornaments.
Plan a Scavenger Hunt
Everyone loves looking for clues and solving puzzles. Make a list of holiday items you may see outside, then go for a walk or a car ride. Have the kids check off each item on the list as they spot them.
Too cold to head outside? Keep the action indoors by hiding candy canes in different locations around the house. The person who checks off the most items on the list or finds the most candy canes is the winner.
If you’re looking for ways to enjoy an affordable winter holiday with the family, the above ideas are only a few of many budget-friendly family ideas you can explore.
