If you are like most of us these days, you are on the look out for budget-friendly ways to have family fun this holiday season. Just because things are little tighter this year because of inflation, doesn’t mean your holiday celebrations have to be. Check out these fun ideas for activities that will sure to bring smiles without breaking the bank!

Bake And Host A Cookie-Swap Party ~ A traditional, affordable, and heart-warming way to enjoy the holidays is baking with loved ones + friends. Plan a day to get together and cook up a priceless memory, then host a cookie-swap party, it’s like a potluck but with cookies! 

Tour Neighborhood Light Displays ~ Bring on the festive vibe with a holiday light show. Pile the family into the car with mugs of hot cocoa and drive around to see the neighborhood lights. Alternatively, take a moonlit walk together!

Family Snow Day ~ If you’re lucky enough to have a white holiday, which most of the country appears to be getting some kind of winter weather this year for Christmas, grab your snow gear and head outside for a good old fashioned snowball fight, igloo building, or sledding. Rolling around in the snow is an inexpensive and fun way to sneak in some winter physical exercise. No sledding hills in your backyard? Check out local hills that offer day passes and provide you with all the equipment needed. 

Make Homemade Holiday Cards ~ You don’t need to spend a fortune to send good wishes! Homemade holiday cards stand out against the mass of other cards and save you money. For an eco-friendly option (that doesn’t require stamps) opt for a virtual holiday card. 

Wrap Gifts in Something Recycled ~ No need to spend more on the wrapping than on the actual gift. Get creative and wrap your gifts in something recycled. Save those Sunday newspapers or use an inexpensive role of Kraft paper, decorated with sprigs of greenery. Wallpaper scraps, old scarves and fabric scraps also make great reusable wrapping.

Host A Re-Gift Party ~ One man’s trash is another man’s treasure so get your friends and family together and host a re-gift party. Rather than buying a new gift, agree to re-gift a previously loved item to give away, lets call this a high class white elephant =)

Host A Movie Marathon ~ Line up your favorite holiday movies or binge-watch that series that has been waiting in your queue all year. Then start popping popcorn! Zest-it-up a notch with some unique popcorn flavorings.

Do A Puzzle ~ Gathering around a table together to piece together a puzzle is an inexpensive way to spend time during the holiday season.

Volunteer ~ The holidays are the perfect time to count your blessings and to remind your family that this time of year is more than just a price tag. Give some of your extra time this holiday season and volunteer at a local soup kitchen or charity in your area. 

Mystery Game Night ~ A night-in playing board games, cards or a festive round of holiday charades is an inexpensive and screen-free way to spend an evening with those you love.