Thrifty, Fun, & Unforgettable

It’s the end of September…the holiday season is starting.

Cue the overwhelm!

As the holidays inch closer, it's easy to feel like the to-do list is never-ending.

We worry about not having enough time, resources, or funds to make the season bright. But, hold on a minute…

These thoughts of scarcity and fear can lead us astray from what we truly value. Instead of getting bogged down by what we don't have, let's switch it up and focus on the good stuff.

Think it’s too early to be thinking about it?

Don't be fooled by the calendar! Snapping up your holiday plans ahead of time can save you big bucks and offer a smorgasbord of options.

I've made a list of some thrifty and fun holiday activities to make unforgettable memories!

First, something that is so simple and so free...

A daily dose of gratitude can work wonders, reminding us that we have plenty to be thankful for. Plus, it's a powerful way to cultivate an abundance mindset, leading to more generosity and kindness.

Another game-changer? Self-care!

It's easy to forget about our own needs during the hustle and bustle, but taking care of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is key to staying sane during the season.

When the holidays are about love and connection, not about keeping up with the Jones, we can focus on creating a season bursting with meaning and joy. And that is the stuff that makes the best memories of all.

Here are another 10 activities that make great memories, and they keep the focus on fun without busting the bank:

1. Holiday DVD marathon: Gather your loved ones and spend the day watching your favorite holiday films. Pop some popcorn, make some hot chocolate, and snuggle up under a cozy blanket. Make it interactive and allow a little heckling to the screen, or shout out favorite lines together.
2. Decorate the house: Get into the holiday spirit by decorating the house with homemade ornaments, garlands, and wreaths. Making holiday-themed crafts with family and friends really warms up the feelings and makes great memories.
3. Bake holiday treats: Spend an afternoon baking cookies, cakes, and other treats with your loved ones. It's a fun activity that means you also have delicious treats to enjoy afterwards, and to share with neighbors or colleagues.
4. Visit a local market: check and see who has the holiday markets that offer unique gifts, crafts, and food. Stroll through the market, visit with the vendors, enjoy the sights and sounds, and pick up unique gifts.
5. Ice-skating: Be on the lookout for those rinks that offer free or low-cost ice-skating during the holidays. Grab your skates, bundle up, and try not to hit the ice as you have fun with family and friends. Try doing it kindergarten style where you all hang onto a scarf together and make it a gaggle of giggles.
6. Game night: Gather and spend the evening playing board games or card games. Interactive games like charades are a great way to spend quality time together and have some fun. Acting out bible stories helps bring little ones into the faith in a meaningful way while providing fun and laughter for the adults.
7. Volunteer: The holidays are a great time to give back to your community, and serving others releases the fears behind overwhelm. Consider volunteering at a local shelter, food bank, or charity.
8. Winter hike: Bundle up and take a hike through a local park or nature reserve. It's really a two-fer: you get to enjoy the winter scenery and get some exercise while you're at it, so there's less guilt about enjoying the seasonal goodies.
9. Host a potluck: Invite your family and friends over for a potluck dinner and encourage them to bring a neighbor or coworker. Everyone can bring a dish to share. You can learn more about each other and enjoy a delicious meal together. Fun tip, order a few pizzas and you will easily have an attitude of "the more the merrier" and it lets those who arrive sans food feel like they aren't eating the party out of house and home.
10. Funny photos: Set up a holiday-themed photo shoot with your loved ones. Use props, costumes, and decorations to create silly, fun, and memorable photos. This is a great time to make your own fashion show or try on old costumes to see what still fits, or doesn't! Take photos along the way and it's a great memory.

These wallet-friendly holiday activity gems can get you started. It's really not about the cash you shell out but the memories you craft with your loved ones that count the most.

(If nothing on the list works, you can also try my go-to activity when my kids were littles and we were cash-strapped: Carpool to the Country! I asked around and found another family who was heading out to a pumpkin patch or corn maze, and we tagged along. I offered to take all the group pics and my kids got to run around in freedom for an afternoon. Holiday Bliss!)

Starting your holiday fun early means you can spread it out over the whole season and make more fun experiences for your family!

About the Author, Kristi Rae Millsap MBA

Hi! I'm Kristi Rae Millsap MBA, a certified, professional Christian coach.

I am a creative, and I support creative Christ-followers who want to share their love through their creative expression in businesses that increase their time-freedom and bring the blessing of God to others.?

My family and I follow Christ; we go where the Spirit leads, which has meant we live lightly, always prepared for the next mission. Our family is blended; we share the love of our 9 kids, their 5 spouses, and 10 grandchildren (and counting!). We also have a "freight train on a leash", our Australian Shepherd.

We love traveling to opportunities to share our testimonies and love of Christ, and seeing our family on the way.