Traditions are one of the most enjoyable parts of the holiday season. They give us something to look forward to and make us feel more connected to the family and friends who share the tradition with us. While so much else about the holiday season feels like a drain on our wallets, traditions can spread a lot of joy without costing much. Here are some of our favorites:
Holiday movie watch-fest
Rewatch your favorite holiday movies throughout the season. You can also mix in new releases to keep it fresh and expand your future watchlist.
Tour Christmas light displays
While some places have large commercial light displays, you can also walk or drive around your neighborhood at night to enjoy the decorations and pick out your favorite best-dressed houses.
Visit a holiday market
You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy the sights and smells of Christmas while browsing the booths at your local holiday market.
Borrow Christmas books from the library
If you have kids, borrow some Christmas books from the library to read over the holiday season. For an even more special treat, wrap them up and allow your kids to open them as part of advent.
Handmake wrapping paper or ornaments
You’re going to need wrapping paper so why not decorate yourself as a bonus holiday activity? Buy a roll of brown craft paper (or use your Trader Joe’s paper bags) and get creative with it. You can buy some seasonally-themed stamps, make your own stamps, or scour Pinterest for decoration ideas that are easy to replicate.
Decorate a gingerbread house
If you’re feeling motivated, make the gingerbread from scratch. Otherwise, graham crackers will work just fine. Pick up an assortment of candy to decorate with from the dollar store or your local grocery store.
Go on a festive nature walk
Along the walk, collect greenery and pinecones for your holiday decorating.
Have a hot chocolate party
Heat up a carafe of hot chocolate and lay out fun toppings for family and friends to choose from. Toppings can include your typical marshmallows and whipped cream along with bits of toffee, crushed peppermint pieces, caramel syrup, Lindt truffles, red and green sprinkles, and whatever else sounds good to you!
Host Christmas music karaoke
Turn up the holiday tunes and rock out to “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
Bake your favorite Christmas cookies
Pull out the family-favorite Christmas cookie recipe and get baking. Or at least unwrap those ready-to-bake Pillsbury sugar cookies and stick them on a baking sheet (that counts too!).
