Connect with Your Family on Christmas Day on a budget- Christmas ideas from #OldMutualOnTheMoney

Christmas is a time for joy, family, and creating lasting memories. But with so much to do, rising costs, and a shoe-string budget, planning the perfect Christmas Day can be overwhelming.

Whether you're a seasoned holiday host or navigating your first festive season alone, don't worry! This guide offers a few ideas to create a magical and unforgettable Christmas Day within a reasonable budget.

Below are three different budgets and ideas of what you can do to have an awesome day with a family of 5 or a group of friends.

USD$100

With a budget of $100.00, you can take your family for a picnic outing in a nice, lush, and breathtaking venue.

A Christmas Day picnic can be a simple yet magical way to create lasting memories for your family. Pack yourselves a basket of homemade Christmas treats, spread a blanket under a tree decorated with twinkling lights, and enjoy a delicious feast outdoors.

Don't forget to bring along fun board games like 30 Seconds or, better yet, the coolest board game in the country right now, Zimseconds.

If you are in Harare, you can opt for places like Kingfisher Park and Lake Chivero. Cleveland and Mazowe Dams are other great options, as they are not far from Harare. Important to note is that these are very spacious venues, giving you and your family enough space to yourselves. If you are in Bulawayo, you are also spoilt for options, including The Barn in Hillside, Nesbit Castle, Hillside Dams, and The Sailing Club. Some of these places offer activities that can make the day exciting, like canoeing, swimming, hiking, and horse riding.

USD$250

For this budget, you and your friends or family can do a mini-Christmas Day getaway. A road trip is never a bad idea! You can go to various places, partake in fun activities, and have delicious meals to fuel up. ?

Great Zimbabwe is a good option. For this adventure, you will need to be pumped up with energy to enjoy the tour of the monument. This would be a great road trip to enjoy Christmas Day if you’re in the Masvingo area. What is also fun is that you and your tribe can also take a sho’t left to Lake Mutirikwi. A few kilometers away from the Great Zimbabwe monument, you can enjoy a refreshing view of the man-made dam.

With this budget, you can also take a road trip to the Khami ruins if you are around Bulawayo. Khami Ruins National Monument is located to the west of the Khami River, 22 km from the City of Bulawayo. This is another great historical destination to visit with family and have a great time. You can have a braai and enjoy the fresh breeze from nature.

If you are in the areas of Harare, Bally Vaughn Game Park & Mwanga Lodge is another excellent option for you and your family. Situated just 50km from Harare, you can enjoy a tour of the wild animal orphanage and a leisurely canoe ride along the Mubvinsi River. You can also enjoy a meal from their restaurant overlooking the game sanctuary.

?USD$500 - $1000

If your budget is more on the thick side, there is room to do more with your family. This budget allows for an overnight stay in a nice and affordable destination that is not far from your city of residence. However, this requires you to book beforehand to avoid disappointment, as most places are usually fully booked during this season.

One ideal place to visit with this budget is Matopo National Park. Known for its balancing rocks, Matopos is a beautiful place with a scenic view. It is a great place to relax, away from the bustle of city life.

Another great option if you are around Nyanga is the Mutarazi Falls. There are several lodges within the area, and booking self-serving holiday homes as a family is advisable, which are roughly between $50- $100 per night.

Victoria Falls, located north of Zimbabwe, is another great wonder to visit during the holiday season. The small town is home to the mighty Victoria Falls, Mosi-oa Tunya. The town has plenty of accommodation options, including the Palm River Hotel, which brings you tranquillity on the edge of the Zambezi River.?

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and overspend. But remember the true spirit of Christmas lies in love, togetherness, and creating meaningful memories, not in the amount you spend. Do not break the bank; the new year awaits with its fair share of financial responsibilities.

We wish you happy holidays!

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