It’s day one of Christmas Break here in the Queendom. We’ve done some serious housecleaning, watched some Netflix, and played way too much Mario Party Nine. While all of the above didn’t cost us anything, it made me realize that if we’re not intentional, we’ll end up wasting the days away or end up going stir crazy and blowing our entertainment budget. So today, I’m brainstorming 15 different ideas for your family to have big fun without spending big bucks this Christmas break.
- Read through a classic series of books. In the past we’ve read Narnia, Lord of the Rings, and Series of Unfortunate of Events. Obviously, go with something you already own if at all possible. If you don’t own it and you want to read it, head to the library or see if someone on your social media network owns it and you can borrow the books from them.
- Video Game Tournament. Don’t let your kids have all of the fun, host a family video game tournament. We crush on Just Dance up in this place, but whatever your game choice, get your play on together. You can even print your own brackets.
- Crack Out the Board Games. Let everyone choose one and commit to playing everyone’s favorites throughout the day.
- Bake Together. Whether’s it a new and unusual recipe or a classic family favorite, baking is always a great way to have fun and bonus you get to eat the fun when you’re done!
- Watch Home Movies. Spend an afternoon reminiscing. Watch home movies together.
- Break Out the Crayons. Art therapy is good for your soul! Freestyle or stay in the lines. Spend at least 30 minutes at the table together coloring.
- Visit Grandma. Everything is better at Grandma’s house. Take a trip to spend the afternoon with the grandparents. If your grandparents live too far away, visit elderly neighbors or someone from your church who might need a friend during the holiday season.
- Take in an Epic Classic. Star Wars, Harry Potter, the Avengers, Anne of Green Gables – there are so many wonderful movies that are even more powerful if you watch them in sequence. Again, borrow them from the library or friends, or even crack out the DVDs you already own. Bonus points if you pop some popcorn on the stove.
- Look at Christmas Lights. Brew some coffee or whip up some hot cocoa. Bundle up and head to the car for a drive. Take in the holiday wonder of downtown light displays or unusual neighborhoods.
- Experiment with Science. Just because school isn’t in session doesn’t mean that learning has to cease. Head to Pinterest to find some science experiments that you can do with household items.
- Extreme Room Makeover. Face it, with more toys making their dwelling in your home your kids’ rooms could use a good cleaning up and out. Rearrange the furniture, lighten your load, hang that picture you’ve been meaning to get on the wall. It might not be high on fun during the process but in the end you’ll all be glad you did.
- Play in the Snow. Granted, this one is weather dependent but if you can, go outside and PLAY. Build a snowman, throw a snowball, dive in and make snow angels.
- Serve Together. Head to the food pantry, babysit someone else’s kids so they can go on a date, make a meal to take to a family in need. Serving together will draw you closer to one another and make someone else’s day awesome.
- Write a Letter. Have a friend who lives far away? Put together a care package with items you already have in your cabinets and include a letter from each member of your family.
- Make Paper Snowflakes. It only takes some paper and a pair of scissors to make your home a winter wonderland, no matter what the weather looks like outside. Some amazing designs can be found here. These Star Wars snowflake templates are awesome sauce!
How do you have a great time without spending a ton of cash? Leave a comment with your best idea!
Don’t forget to take the Debt Free Christmas Pledge before you order anything by accessing Queen of Free.
Gain inspiration to pay off debt! Check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
