Make this holiday season merry and meaningful without breaking the budget. We’ve compiled a list of fun and frugal ways—$25 or less—to create cherished memories. It’s easy to get caught up in the flurry of holiday spending, so take a moment to reflect on what traditions would mean the most to your family. After all, memories are about time spent together, not how much is spent.
Paper Chain Christmas Countdown
As a fun, after Thanksgiving activity, make a paper chain with each ring representing a day in December. Beginning December 1, take a ring off for each day. It’s a great visual tool and offers an enjoyable way of anticipating the holiday.
Decorate the Tree Together
Seems simple, but for many parents, having little hands help can require an extra dose of patience. While it may be faster to decorate the tree yourself, make it an event and involve everyone. Unwrapping ornaments tied to memories is its own tradition. And if the main tree needs the extra care, consider having a smaller tree somewhere to let the kids have free reign in decorating.
Christmas Tree Campout
Who doesn’t enjoy the twinkly glow of Christmas tree lights? Grab pillows and blankets and sleep under the ‘stars.’ There’s no guarantee of a great night’s sleep, but there’s a good chance of giggles and good stories.
Craft Handmade Ornaments
If the kids have a special tree in the house they can decorate (see note above), grab whatever craft items you already have and get creative. You don’t need a special kit or expensive supplies. It’s about taking what you have and applying a little imagination. It’s also a chance to knock out gifts for the grandparents.
Bake Off Contest
Foster a little friendly competition with a bake off. It can be a serious gingerbread house decorating contest or a silly challenge for the most creative shaped cookies.
Give Together
The holidays are a great opportunity to explore local nonprofits or charities. Many organizations are seeking specific donations or volunteers. Discover what’s happening in and around your neighborhood or community and see how your family can give back together. For a list of family volunteer opportunities, visit metrofamilymagazine.com/family-volunteer-opportunities.
Find Free Events
November and December are full of fun, family-friendly activities—with many being free to attend. Search the MetroFamily calendar for free events at MetroFamilyMagazine.com to enjoy a holiday parade, festival or concert.
A Friend’s Potluck
Split the bill of hosting with a friend’s potluck dinner. Everyone gets to share an appetizer or dish they love and gain an evening of laughter and friendship.
Visit Your Local Metro Library
Metro Libraries offer a host of family-friendly activities throughout November and December—from seasonal story times and holiday crafts to writing letters to Santa and festive entertainment. The Makerspace studios are also a great place to create handmade holiday gifts, whether it’s a 3D-printed ornament or a custom card. And while you’re there, check out books for fun holiday reads or a glimpse into holiday traditions from cultures around the world. “We have lots of holiday books in our collection,” says Alyssia Cotts, librarian at Metro Library. “During Thanksgiving and Christmas, we’ll have these on display in our children’s areas for families to explore throughout the season.”
Daily Commute Sing-A-Long
Make each day a little merrier by intentionally listening and singing along to holiday favorites on your daily commute. Whether it’s on your way to school drop off or pick up, it’s a fun way to boost your family’s day.
Neighborhood Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Go on a walking adventure in your neighborhood with MetroFamily’s printable holiday scavenger hunt. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/holiday-scavenger-hunt to download your copy.
Mark Winter Solstice
December 21 is the Winter Solstice—the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Bundle up and find a spot to watch the sunset together. Or, better yet, enjoy the free Winter Solstice events at First Americans Museum (FAM), where guests can enjoy a reflective experience and watch the winter solstice sun set through the FAM Mound tunnel.
PJ Holiday Light Tour
Wear your holiday pajamas, make some hot cocoa to go, and take a drive to see neighborhood Christmas lights. The historic Nichols Hills neighborhood is known for its stunning displays, Automobile Alley features more than 6,000 lights, and Yukon’s Christmas in the Park presents more than five million lights across a three-mile, drive-through route. Midwest City also offers one of Oklahoma’s largest drive through holiday displays with one million LED lights.
Commit to Acts of Kindness
At the beginning of the holiday season, choose ways as a family you can share kindness to someone else. Maybe it’s making a meal or raking the yard for an elderly neighbor or choosing to put $25 on a gift card and giving it to someone in need. Being kind and offering a helping hand during the holidays is a gift to everyone involved.
Family Talent Show
Does anyone in the family have a hidden talent? You might discover something new with a family talent show. Everyone is tasked with taking the living room stage for their own unique performance—maybe it’s a song, poem, juggling or dance, either way, it’s sure to be memorable.
Family Game Night
Dust off those board games sitting on the closet shelf and set aside time to play. Life gets hectic and sometimes slowing down for an evening of laughter and games is just what everyone needs.
Classic Christmas Eve Activities
In the hustle and bustle of the season, don’t forget classic Christmas Eve fun, like reading The Night Before Christmas, baking cookies, or watching a favorite holiday movie.
Make Family New Year Goals
We all need our personal goals but it’s also worthwhile to focus on shared goals for the family. It fosters a team spirit and helps kids learn the importance of planning ahead and the steps needed to accomplish an achievement or enjoy a reward. For help making mindful New Year’s resolutions for the whole family, see Last Look.
