The holiday season is at hand. Christmas can be so expensive for many families. From decorating the tree to buying gifts, from office parties to wrapping paper, there are so many hidden costs we often neglect to budget for. And for many families, the weekends prior to Christmas and Christmas break are filled with opportunities for holiday fun. Should you catch that new blockbuster at the movie theatre or head to a holiday market? Or should you see a light display as a family or visit a special exhibit at a museum. All of the expenses add up quickly. And while we may be able to fit in one or two paid experiences, we can’t do it all. So here are a few ideas for affordable Christmas traditions and maybe even free fun during the holiday season.
Mail a Letter to Santa
While you can mail a letter to Santa through the USPS (and maybe even adopt one, too) and get a response almost anywhere in the US, some places feature special Santa mailboxes. In Central Indiana, there are a number of boxes you can take your special letter and I love the round up that Indy with Kids updates each year to let us know where to drop those special missives. And for some, if you include a self addressed stamped envelope and deposit yours before a specific date, you’ll receive an answer from Jolly ‘Ole St. Nick.
Create a Custom Table Cloth
Need to stay in for the evening? Consider this easy idea. 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.
Do Some Window Shopping
I do most of our holiday shopping online. But there’s still something so nostalgic and fun about browsing during the holiday season. From farmers markets to malls, even if you’re not buying anything, you can have a great time without spending much. Take in the sights and sounds, as many of these retail destinations gussy themselves up with holiday cheer. You may even catch some live entertainment or musical performances. Plus check your local mall and farmers market calendars for potential kids activities, too.
Drive Through Light Shows
Holiday lights dazzle eyes of every age. In the Indianapolis area, we have a number of great displays – both free and paid – to drink in the beautiful blazing lights. There’s a number of fantastic light show opportunities in Indianapolis from Christmas at the Zoo to Winterlights at Newfields, from A Merry Prairie at Conner Prairie to Christmas Nights of Lights at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, your family can be twinkled and dazzled. Add to that list Dasher’s Light Show this year located at Castleton Square Mall. With a variety of price points available, you can load up the minivan with as many people as seatbelts and drink in the views (and maybe some hot cocoa) for less than $30 total. I love these ideas, but you can always seek out free neighborhood displays, too. Ask on your social media platforms where others love to visit in your community and you’re certain to get addresses galore of where you can go.
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!
Check Out Indy Deals
I love writing over on Visit Indy about ways you can save money in the Circle City. But especially during the holiday season, you’ll want to check out the Indy Deals as much as possible. From attraction passes, to Daily Deals, you can score great discounts on museum admission, restaurant bills, and more. Just be sure to double check if discounts apply to holiday events which may have a different charge. Indy Deals should always be your first stop to save during the winter months and all year long.
For any special holiday event, I’d always encourage you to scour their social media channels and website for potential coupon codes and ask if there are unknown savings available. And if you head to the movie theatre, be sure to make full use of the coupon codes. You’ll always save money if you plan ahead by eating at home first, bringing your own beverages, and setting expectations about what you will and won’t buy before you leave. You can create plenty of memories without dropping loads of cash this holiday season and just may keep those traditions alive for years to come!
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
