Just because you have a small budget doesn't mean Christmas will be a bust. There's so much you can do to celebrate the joy of the season with a minimal budget. So, if you're like most of us at Christmas and don't want to spend the months after the holidays paying down all those credit cards, try our budget-friendly ideas for a fab Christmas.
Print Your Own Cards or Send e-Cards
Print your own Christmas cards using cardstock, a good photo, and a color printer. Print the holiday message of your choosing in the font you like. Another choice is to use a low-budget printing service, such as Shutterfly or Snapfish. Just register and upload a fun photo card you've created. You can often find special deals on most of these sites for greater savings. You'll save a lot of money (and time!) with any of these ideas compared to purchasing and personalizing store-bought Christmas cards.
Host a Gift Swap
Host a party for friends and/or family in lieu of buying gifts for each and every friend and family member. This will reap excellent Christmas budget savings, and your family and friends will gain a new appreciation for your cleverness. Make it a potluck dinner for an even more festive but inexpensive event. There are two ways to conduct this type of gift swap.
Related: 7 Fun Christmas Gift Exchange Games
Draw Names to Streamline & Save on Gift Purchases
Another popular way to save money on gift-giving is to draw names (we do it in our large, extended families). Drawing names helps families return the focus to the season instead of material expectations.
It's a super fun tradition to draw names during your Thanksgiving get-together. It gives everybody plenty of time to find the perfect gift.
Host a Cookie Exchange
You can enjoy holiday time with friends by hosting a cookie exchange and encouraging everyone to bake three batches of their favorite cookie recipe. This quantity allows guests to receive at least two of every cookie variety. Liven up the party with silly games, such as "Guess the Cookie," where guests try to guess the type of cookie and the ingredients. Purchase some inexpensive containers to pack cookies in, like Chinese food take-home containers. This exchange gives everyone more cookies and can be done in lieu of gift giving.
Gather to Watch the Town Christmas Parade
Many towns host a Christmas parade around Thanksgiving or a week or so after. This can be a fun outing with friends and family, and it's free! Host an after-parade potluck dinner for the perfect way to top off the event. This idea keeps your family and friends connected to the community while creating great memories that don't put a dent in your Christmas budget.
Swap Christmas Decorations
Part of the joy of decorating for Christmas is getting out your favorite collectibles. But this holiday season, you may want to try something new. Instead of spending the money on new purchases, talk with friends and family about swapping decorations with each other. Your mom may have a set of Christopher Radko ornaments that would look great on your tree this year, and she might have her eye on your nativity scene. Make sure to list who has what, any special care or packaging, and a return date. This allows everyone to enjoy fresh decorations, and this annual swap could become a family tradition.
Put on a Family Play
Start a tradition of staging a holiday skit with your built-in theater troupe: your family. Choose a family-friendly play late in the fall and set up a regular rehearsal time. For opening night, host a potluck and invite friends and family to enjoy your creation! Costumes can be something as simple as last year's Christmas sweater.
Enjoy Holiday Light Displays
Set aside time to spend an evening with family and friends visiting lighted neighborhoods or decorated cities. There's always someone who loves to decorate for Christmas, and they appreciate your attention. Exchange warm greetings and enjoy the fellowship of your neighbors. Some communities are renowned for their Christmas decorations, so research areas near you that really shine. This type of outing is free and offers opportunities for family and friends to make great Christmas memories.
Attend a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
If your town has an annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, gather a group of friends or family and enjoy the festivities. Some towns host Christmas refreshments, including hot chocolate and cookies. Some move inside for a holiday dance with live music. These after-the-event activities are usually free or have a nominal fee that's perfect for budget-friendly holiday fun.
Go Caroling & Revel in Holiday Music
Whether you join the choir at church, go caroling, or simply listen to funny Christmas songs while sitting around the Christmas tree, the music of the holiday season is always a joy to listen to. Create a playlist of your favorite carols and play them throughout the Christmas season. Get your kids to create individual playlists and feature one playlist each night during dinner. If you're a musical family, make singing around the piano or accompanied by other musical instruments part of your Christmas Eve or Christmas Day celebration.
Celebrate a Budget-Friendly Christmas
Whether you make your own gifts, choose ways to share the cost, or simply enjoy free activities, you'll be creating cherished Christmas memories.
