The festive season can often fly by in a flurry of rushing around and chasing after monetary gains for extravagant presents and events. By doing this, you may miss out on truly relishing this delightful time of the year. Personally, I savor the holiday period by indulging in a few cherished traditions. These help connect me with those I hold dear, ushering in new memories while reliving the old ones.
Furthermore, these traditions need not involve hefty expenses, particularly if savings are paramount. Here are seven affordable yet joyful holiday traditions you can consider adopting.
1. **ADORN A CHRISTMAS TREE OR CRAFT AN ORNAMENT**
One widely practiced holiday tradition involves the Christmas tree. If you already possess a tree and decorations, you can reuse them each year, adding a personal touch by crafting a new ornament annually. Pinterest is laden with inspiration for DIY ornaments, or you could simply frame a family photo to hang on the tree.
Remember, this tradition isn’t confined to your own home. Volunteer to decorate Christmas trees in your local area. For instance, joining my son’s Cub Scouts pack for volunteering to spruce up Christmas trees at the local library has become an appreciated family tradition for us.
2. **CONSTRUCT A GINGERBREAD HOUSE**
For those with a fondness for edible crafts, consider building a gingerbread house annually. Convenient kits for this enticing activity can be found under $10 at your local supermarket. Besides houses, there are kits to make a gingerbread train or village, and even a festive train design with Rice Krispie treats.
3. **BAKE CHRISTMAS COOKIES**
For a cozy indoor tradition on a frosty day, consider baking Christmas cookies. Ready-made dough can be used for convenience or you could make your cookies from scratch.
Consider broadening the joy by inviting others to join you in this tradition. Every year, my church organizes a holiday cookie exchange, allowing us to sample a variety of cookies while bringing home some for our families to enjoy.
4. **APPRECIATE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS**
Viewing Christmas lights can elevate your holiday spirit. Enrich this family tradition by touring your neighborhood to appreciate creative light displays. Take note of free light displays in your area or, for a nominal fee, enjoy festive train rides adorned with lights.
5. **ENGAGE IN SLEDDING**
If your locality is snowy, try out sledding at least once. Be dressed suitably, have a sled, and locate a snow-covered hill.
A fancy sled is unnecessary. Inexpensive plastic sleds or flat, sturdy items in your house, like empty storage bins or laundry baskets, will work. Interestingly, our sleds were acquired for free during a spring cleanup in our neighborhood.
6. **EMBRACE CAROLING**
If singing is your thing, entertain the idea of caroling annually with friends or family. Going caroling can bring in the holiday cheer and make the season exhilarating.
As youngsters, my sister and I loved keyboard playing and singing, and this saw us performing for elderly at local nursing homes – a heartening experience that remains vivid, unlike many childhood Christmas presents.
7. **BE CHARITABLE**
Giving back during the holiday season can resonate the true spirit of this time. Many people could use a helping hand, particularly during the holidays. You could volunteer at a shelter, sponsor a disadvantaged child’s holiday gift, or spend time with nursing home residents.
There exist ample opportunities to contribute in your community, even more so during the holiday season. Everyone can incorporate this tradition into their yearly practices.
What cherished, budget-friendly holiday tradition do you enjoy the most?
