Budget-friendly holiday celebrations
The holidays have become so commercialized that it’s easy to feel like we need to spend exorbitant amounts of money in order to make the season memorable for ourselves and our families. This simply isn’t true.
This year, we challenge ourselves and you to get back to the root of what the holidays are about – spending time with friends and family. We have put together a list of affordable holiday celebrations that you can do to celebrate the season without falling into the money-pit that the holidays can very quickly become.
1. Miracle on Fulton Street.
This is a free event where you can see “snowfall” ever hour, beautiful lights, a towering tree, and live entertainment from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on weekdays throughout the month of December.
2. Christmas in the Park.
For $5 per vehicle, you can drive through the lights display in Lafreniere Park, write letters to Santa, decorate ornaments, and more.
3. Have a Christmas movie night.
Curl up with a blanket and some popcorn and watch some Christmas movies. Whether you’re a Hallmark fan or prefer the classics, a movie night will put you in that holiday cheer.
4. Decorate some cookies.
Pick up some cookie dough, icing, and sprinkles and get to decorating! You don’t need any fancy, expensive supplies to have fun decorating.
5. Have hot chocolate and story time.
If you have little ones, make them some hot chocolate and gather them around. You can find classic holiday stories online to read aloud to them for a fun evening of stories.
6. Host a potluck.
A potluck is an inexpensive way to host a party for family and friends. Ask guests to bring a dish and set everything up buffet-style.
7. Caroling in Jackson Square.
On December 22nd at 7:00 PM you can join the carolers in Jackson Square. It is a free event where you are welcome to participate or observe.
8. Feed the reindeer.
On Christmas Eve, have the kids make some simple trail mix for the reindeer. Have them sprinkle it in the front yard before they go to bed so Santa’s reindeer can have a snack.
9. Put out solar powered Christmas lights.
Save money on your electricity bill this year by opting for solar powered Christmas lights. You can order these lights online or find them in most hardware stores.
10. Gift experiences.
If the gift budget is tight this year, opt to gift your loved ones experiences instead of items. Things such as museum trips and picnics will be more affordable, and those memories made will be held much dearer than any item you can buy.
11. You don’t need to buy everyone a gift.
If money is tight, don’t feel pressured to buy every single person in your life a gift. At the end of it all, this season isn’t about presents and material items. It is about spreading love and positivity.