Inexpensive Ways to Spend the Holidays With Friends and Family
The holiday season is a wonderful time to connect with loved ones, but it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Meaningful memories can be made without breaking the bank, and often, the simplest moments are the ones we cherish most. If you're looking for fun, heartwarming, and inexpensive ways to enjoy the holidays with friends and family, these ideas will help make your season festive and joyful.
1. Host a Holiday Potluck or Soup Night
Rather than preparing an entire holiday feast on your own, invite friends and family over for a potluck. Each guest can bring a dish to share, and you’ll end up with a delicious variety of foods without the financial burden on one person. To keep it even simpler, host a "Soup Night" where everyone brings their favorite homemade soup, and you provide the bread or crackers.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Encourage homemade dishes and skip expensive store-bought trays.
2. Organize a Holiday Movie Marathon
Pick a few classic holiday movies (think Home Alone, Elf, or The Grinch), pop some popcorn, and snuggle up on the couch with blankets and hot chocolate. Create a cozy atmosphere by dimming the lights and adding festive decorations.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Use a streaming service you already have, or borrow DVDs from your local library.
3. DIY Craft Night
Get everyone’s creative juices flowing with a craft night. Gather inexpensive supplies like paper, glue, glitter, and twine, and make ornaments, holiday cards, or homemade garlands. It’s a fun activity for kids and adults alike, and everyone gets to leave with a handmade creation.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Repurpose materials from home, like old magazines, wrapping paper scraps, or leftover fabric.
4. Go on a Holiday Lights Tour
Many neighborhoods go all out with holiday lights and decorations. Bundle up, pile into a car, and take a drive to admire the festive displays. If weather permits, you can turn it into a walking tour, which allows for photo ops and a little exercise.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Pack a thermos of hot cider or cocoa to enjoy during your tour.
5. Plan a Holiday Game Night
Dig out classic board games or card games and invite friends and family over for an evening of friendly competition. Games like Pictionary, Charades, or Uno are perfect for groups of all ages.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Encourage guests to bring their favorite game to keep things fresh and fun.
6. Volunteer Together
The holidays are the perfect time to give back to the community. Gather your loved ones and spend a day volunteering at a food bank, soup kitchen, or animal shelter. Helping others is a rewarding way to bond, and it captures the true spirit of the season.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Volunteering costs nothing, and the impact on your heart and community is priceless.
7. Bake Holiday Treats Together
Nothing says "holidays" like the smell of fresh-baked cookies or pies. Plan a baking day where everyone contributes a recipe or an ingredient. You can exchange treats at the end, creating a tasty variety for everyone to take home.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Stick to simple, classic recipes that use pantry staples like sugar, flour, and butter.
8. Have a DIY Gift Exchange
Instead of spending money on store-bought gifts, challenge your friends and family to a DIY gift exchange. Whether it’s homemade candles, baked goods, or framed photos, handmade gifts add a personal and heartfelt touch to the season.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Set a budget limit (e.g., $5-$10) for supplies to keep things affordable.