The holiday season is a fun time to get caught up in the magic and wonder. But Christmas break days can seem long and boring sometimes for the kids in our lives. Or perhaps you love the magic of the holidays, but really can’t afford all of the big ticket entertainment that comes along with the festive season. Here are a few free and affordable ideas for family fun this Christmas to keep the kids occupied and make memories without breaking the bank.
Christmas Light Tour
While there are plenty of amazing and beautiful paid experiences when it comes to holiday light displays. However, your own neighbors may have just as marvelous of an experience for absolutely free. Ask your social media network where they go to see their favorite houses or displays. Or check out Indy with Kids for their round up of where you can see great lights. Fix some hot cocoa in travel cups to take with you. And maybe bring a few snacks for the ride too. Don’t forget the holiday music for the radio.
Cookie Baking Session
There’s nothing better than some holiday sugar. Get out flour, sugar, butter, and eggs and have a blast together. Again, turn on seasonal music and prepare yourself for the mess (I’m not always the best at this). Focus on time together instead of perfection. Choose simple decorating ideas, too. A little bit of almond bark can coat almost anything. Dig through your cabinets for food coloring and sprinkles. Or put together a quick grocery pick up order for everything you need. It can be easy to go overboard so try not to get carried away. And have a plan for giving away some of those Christmas treats to the special people in your life.
Outdoor Fun
The winter weather can be a little tricky, but playing outside never goes out of style. Whether you hit your favorite playground, go sledding, take a winter hike, or conduct science experiments like freezing water in a balloon overnight. Both you and your kids will feel better after a little bit of movement outside. Bundle up and have some fun.
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. This is an excellent exercise in generosity for your kids to find things to give away that they already have and create artwork and write words of encouragement to someone who needs it!
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!
Garland Factory
Whether you hang them on the tree, a doorway, or simply on the wall, garland making can be extremely fun. I’ve seen a lot of fantastic ideas on TikTok and Pinterest including orange, cranberry, and of course the classic popcorn garland. These are easy activities for kids even of a young age.
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. Check out 15 Christmas Service Projects for Families for more ideas!
Create a Custom Table Cloth
Spread out some brown kraft paper on your kitchen table and break out the crayons. Let the kids create a custom winter landscape or their favorite holiday movie scenes. You can do this one over and over again throughout winter break.
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. Or if you’re concerned about health, consider a virtual visit. You could even put together a puzzle or play a game together via Facetime or another platform.
From a video game tournament to classic board games or SO much more you can do together with a family. Plan a movie marathon where you watch all of the movies in a particular series. Or watch movies of your family from Christmases past. You don’t have to spend a ton of cash to create a Christmas to remember!
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