Eight Frugal Things to Do for Christmas

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

21 Dec 2007 07:08 AM

Looking for some fun activities that won't add to your debt? There is plenty to do at the holidays that cost a little or nothing. Take advantage of these fun ideas to make your holiday special and your bank account full.

1. Have a family sleep over. Pick a night to camp out with the whole family in the living room or family room, near the tree. The kids will especially love this idea.

2. Have a Christmas movie marathon. Pick a bunch of Christmas movies and watch them. Have each person pick a favorite, with the youngest person going first. If you don't have any Christmas movies, make a trip to the library to check them out for free.

3. Have a Christmas book marathon. Gather up your Christmas books, settled in under blankets and take turns reading the stories. Again, you can check books out at your local library, or hit the thrift stores.

4. Hold a Yankee Swap. This is a fun gift giving idea. everyone brings a wrapped gift that they either purchased for a small amount (such as $5 or $10) or picks something they already have from their home. You then take turns choosing and "stealing" gifts from each other.

5. Take a ride to look for neighborhood Christmas lights. Wrap up in warm pajamas or sweats, and bring a thermos of hot cocoa.

6. Pray for family and friends. A nice way to do this is to gather each night and pray for those folks who sent you christmas cards that day. But don't forget to include others as you think of them.

7. Attend free and low cost Christmas events, such as school Christmas pageants, Christmas parades, choral shows, and more.

8. Grab some family and friends and treat your neighbors to Christmas caroling. It is a great way to meet everyone in the neighborhood.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

Related Articles:

Christmas Scrooge or Holiday Angel?

Frugal Ornaments

Choosing a Frugal Christmas Tree

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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jonesx6 (1606) 21 Dec 2007 03:30 PM

We went and looked at Christmas lights earlier this month. It was so much fun!! Laura

marinemom8 (125) 21 Dec 2007 08:55 PM

I love the idea of a family campout in the living room with the fire and Christmas tree lights on. What fun memories for the children to look back on.

Karen in Vermont

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 27 Dec 2007 06:06 AM

Now that Christmas is over, I can say that it is those little fun memories that mean the most from this year. What was your favorite moment of Christmas?