subject: 8 Tips to Have a Great Holiday On A Budget [print this page] 8 Tips to Have a Great Holiday On A Budget
As the holidays draw near, most everyone looks back upon his/her childhood memories with fondness. It was that magical time of the year when everything caught your eye and joy filled the air. Of course, now that you're the adult, you are on the other side of that holiday magic making it happen for the next generation. With purse strings being a little tighter you might be wondering how you are going to make that magic happen this year. Let me give you a few pointers on how to make this holiday season special on any budget.
Family traditions are typically the key to holiday magic. Just because you haven't had any traditions before doesn't mean you can't start now. Think back on some of the traditions you had growing up. Then make a list and decide what would be good for your family.
Talk to your family and ask what traditions they would like to start. Sometimes kids will surprise you with their unique insight and ideas. But just in case, here are a few things to get your gears turning.
The Giving Stocking-Starting on the first of December have everyone in the family write down something they did to help someone else that day (preferably someone outside of your family). Then they place it inside a special stocking. On Christmas morning when all of the presents are opened, you sit together and read what was done for others.
The Thankful Box-Much like the Giving Stocking, the Thankful Box is a special box dedicated to containing what each member of the family is thankful for. It also would be started on the first of December and continued up until Christmas Eve to be opened Christmas morning.
Name Draw-This is a great option for larger families. Everyone's name is placed in a hat. Then each person draws out a name at random and that is the family member they get to buy one present for. Set a price limit on what can be spent. This forces the individual to really think about the other person and be creative. In our family the price limit was five dollars.
Caroling-Not many people partake of this activity any more, but it can be great fun while bringing a little cheer to other people.
Treat Bags-The tradition of making holiday goodies and giving them to friends and neighbors is another dying tradition that can help bring families together. As you make the goodies and form fond memories, you can also form a tighter family bond.
Light Seeing-There is something magical about the wonders of Christmas lights. It warms the heart on even the coldest of nights. And being able to find the best house first can make light seeing even more fun.
Researching Other Cultures-You could make a habit of researching other cultures' Holiday traditions. Each person can pick their favorite country to research and find a way to incorporate something from that culture into the family Holidays.
Special Meal-Pick one meal that you make special. For some families it is a Christmas Eve dinner that reminds you of something. For others it might be Christmas breakfast. As long as it is special to you, it will make this time of the year special.
Whatever you decide to do this holiday season, make sure that it is meaningful to you and your family. And most importantly, Happy Holidays!
