By the time this post goes up, it will already be Christmas day in most of the world, and there will only be a few hours remaining before it will be Christmas for the rest of us, as well. I thought, as a somewhat early Christmas present, that I would share a few ideas for ways to celebrate the holiday inexpensively, but still in a festive manner. If you don’t already have plans for the day (hopefully plans that involve more than just opening all your presents and playing with your new toys, although that can be pretty fun), here are a few suggestions from The Amateur Financier:
1) Go to Church: Obviously, this is most practical if you are a Christian; although, even if you aren’t, going to your temple/synagogue/mosque could still be a good way to spend the day. Besides helping to put all this gift giving, present unwrapping, and general merriness in perspective, you may have the chance to run into some people you haven’t seen in a while, or even get the opportunity to help someone in need. What better way to spend your holiday?
2) Spend Time with Your Relatives: Holidays are meant to be shared with the people you love. If you’ve already planned to meet with your family this holiday season, good on you. If not, why not go and visit them, or give them a call if you are currently far away. I’m sure they will appreciate knowing that you were thinking of them, and it’ll be the perfect chance for you to reconnect. Enjoy the family togetherness, as well as the chance to celebrate the holidays with the ones you love (even if you are only talking together).
3) Play Outside (in the Snow): Being able to go outside and play is a wonderful way to celebrate the season, and if you happen to live in a snowy area, the fun of snowballs, snowmen, and snow angels could be just outside your front door. If you live outside the snow belt (or in the Southern Hemisphere), you might have to be a bit more creative in your outdoor play (although, since you could go to the beach, you’re not going to get much sympathy from me).
4) Watch a Christmas Movie Together: There’s nothing more relaxing than gathering as a family and watching all the Christmas classics you have in your collection (or that will be filling the air waves). A Christmas Story, Rudolph, Frosty, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the animated classic, not the live-action one, for a really fun time), It’s a Wonderful Life, and any of the many, many versions of A Christmas Carol. (My sisters and I have turned The Muppet Christmas Carol into an annual tradition.) There are plenty of good movies to help you get in the Christmas spirit.
5) Play a Game with Your Loved Ones: A great way to break in your new board games is to open them up and play them while all the family is gathered around. Just try to avoid getting too competitive (no need to start any family feuds over Monopoly) and you can have an excellent time enjoying each other’s company over a fun board game.
6) Bake Something: Cooking for Christmas is a wonderful idea, almost as much fun is eating what you cook. Make a nice batch of Christmas cookies, a scrumptious Christmas ham, or maybe even some roast beast (another little How the Grinch Stole Christmas reference). Just be sure that you have plenty to share with your family and friends; you don’t want to leave anyone without enough food.
7) Read a Christmas Story to Your Children: Probably my favorite thing to do in order to get in the holiday spirit, reading a nice Christmas story (particularly to a young child in your life) is a great way to celebrate and help to enrich the life of a child. Choosing a good Christmas story (and there should be any number to choose from), get nice and cozy, and start the reading process.
There you are, several suggestions for how to have a wonderful, inexpensive Christmas celebration. Happy Holidays everyone!
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