If you don’t have a budget to blow during the holidays, fret not. This time of year is more about spending quality time with family than spending money. Wondering what to do? There are several shenanigans you and the brood can get up to that will make this time of year feel festive for everyone!
Here are some no-spend activity ideas to add to your list:
Make a few handmade Christmas decorations
Why not jazz up the Christmas tree this year with handmade Christmas decorations? This is a fun idea that you can easily rope the whole family into. Whether it’s embroidered, crafted with paper, or put together with scraps you have around the house – a homemade Christmas decoration is more special than any shop-bought bauble could be.
Here’s some Pinterest inspo we love:
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Make a wreath using foraged materials
Instead of buying a wreath to hang up for Christmas decor this year, why not try and make your own? Another family-friendly crafting activity that is so worth it! Make a day out of visiting a nearby park or woodland to collect foliage for your wreath. Once you’re ready for your crafting session, follow this guide that shares step-by-step instructions on how to make your own wreath at home.
Host a Christmas-themed game night
Family game nights are always full of fun and laughter! Plus, not even load shedding can interfere with game night. If your family is a wordy bunch, plan a round of Scrabble or Bananagram. Alternatively, bust out some of the classic board games, such as Monopoly or Catan. There are also a slew hilarious card games that will have everyone in stitches – such as Cards Against Humanity (more for the adults, or the friend-group).
Visit a nature trail or woodland walk
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself nearby any nature trails, parks or woodlands, take the opportunity to explore with your family in tow. Getting out into nature with the brood is a great way to have a change of scenery and balance all of the treats you may have been indulging in over the festive period. It’s a simple activity that has the potential to create lasting memories.
Look for local events
There is something so festive about spending time celebrating the season with the people in your community. If you don’t have the money to splurge on a local Christmas market, a quick online search (we recommend visiting your neighbourhood group on Facebook) can connect you to local events like carolling and festive light switch-ons that you can attend with the family in tow.
Christmas movie marathon
Finally, there’s nothing a good festive movie marathon can’t beat. Make a classic ‘Christmas bed’ in the lounge for the family to cuddle up on, grab a few snacks or a pot of tea and make a day out of it. Here’s a list of family-friendly festive flicks to enjoy:
- Home Alone (1990)
- Elf (2003)
- The Polar Express (2004)
- The Santa Clause (1994)
- A Christmas Story (1983)
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
- The Grinch (2018) or How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
- Arthur Christmas (2011)
- The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
- Rise of the Guardians (2012)
- A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
- Frosty the Snowman (1969)
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
- Klaus (2019)
- The Nativity Story (2006)
- Jingle All the Way (1996)
- Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999)
- The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
- A Christmas Carol (2009) or other versions like the 1951 adaptation with Alastair Sim
- Nativity! (2009)
- It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
- The Nutcracker Prince (1990)
- The Holiday (2006)
- A Christmas Carol (1984) starring George C. Scott
- Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
- Fred Claus (2007)
- The Christmas Shoes (2002)
- The Snowman (1982)
- Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)
- Polar Express (2004)
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