26 Nov Ten Inexpensive and Festive Holiday Activities for the Whole Family
By: Carli Mosby
The holiday season is here, which often means errands, gatherings, and two or more weeks off school for the kids in your life. While this season can sometimes be stressful, it can also be a great opportunity to spend quality time with your family. Make memories, not debt, this holiday season with these 10 inexpensive and festive holiday activities that will be fun for the whole family.
1. Holiday Lights Tour
Gather the whole family in the car and drive to the most festive part of town to view a spectacular display of lights and decorations. Let each family member pick their favorite display.
2. Bake Holiday Cookies
Some of the best holiday memories can be made when the whole family gathers together to make holiday cookies and other festive treats. You can even share your creations with neighbors and family.
3. Check Out Holiday Books from Your Local Library
Local libraries are a great resource for getting your hands on the latest holiday books to read with your kids. From classics, such as Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” to newer holiday releases, such as “Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins” by Sue Flies and Mark Chambers, there are plenty of holiday-inspired children’s books to choose from.
4. Make Homemade Tree Ornaments
Skip the cost of expensive tree ornaments and get creative with your kids to make a tree full of memories. Check out this list of DIY ornament ideas for inspiration.
5. Have a Festive Family Game Night
For a fun night in, gather the whole family for a festive and fun family game night. Young and old alike will have a blast playing “Pin the Heart on the Grinch.” For more ideas, check out this list of 35 family-friendly and festive games to ring in the holiday season with laughter.
6. Spend Some Time Volunteering Throughout Your Community
What better way to remind your family of the true spirit of the holiday season than to volunteer throughout your community? Serve meals at your local homeless shelter, organize a coat drive in your neighborhood, or go caroling at a nearby nursing home.
7. Host a Friendly Door Decorating Contest
Help your kids tap into their creative side with a friendly holiday door decorating competition. This is a great, inexpensive way to occupy the kids for an afternoon and allow them to develop a healthy competitive spirit.
8. Create and Send Holiday Cards to Soldiers
Send a bit of holiday joy overseas to a soldier by having your children make festive holiday cards to send.
9. Have a Holiday-Inspired Family Movie Night
Grab some popcorn, comfy pajamas, and your favorite holiday movie to enjoy a simple night in with the family. Can’t decide which movie to watch? Make it a double-feature!
10. Create DIY Ugly Holiday Sweaters 
Have a ball with your family by creating DIY ugly holiday sweaters. All you need is an old sweater/sweatshirt and some holiday-inspired crafts or check here for more inspiration. Show your creations off in an in-home fashion show.
Whatever fun your family decides to get into this time of year, we hope that you have a safe and happy holiday season.