Our Favorite Festive Holiday Season Frugal Joys
We tend to spend more money than usual around the holidays, and this year with inflation it’s going to be even more expensive. If you are feeling stressed about your holiday budget, we have you covered.
The good news? You can add some extra holiday cheer to your life without spending more with frugal joys.
Frugal joys are free or inexpensive things that make us really happy. If you are looking for some festive free or inexpensive treats, here are our favorite holiday frugal joys.
Try a hot cocoa tasting.
Warm up with a cup of your favorite hot cocoa. If you aren’t sure which is your favorite, try a few or create a blind hot cocoa tasting with friends. Each person brings their favorite and guests sip and rate.
Go ice skating.
Get your ice legs back at a free (or inexpensive) ice rink. You’ll get some exercise and if you’re anywhere near as graceful of a skater as me, you’ll probably also get some laughs..
Host a white elephant gift exchange (with a price cap!).
Instead of getting everyone a gift, host a white elephant gift exchange where everyone brings a gift within a certain price limit. Follow the official rules or make your own!
Volunteer.
There’s nothing more abundant than giving time and/or money to those who need it and will benefit. Spend a night or weekend helping out others and you’ll be in the holiday spirit in no time.
Host a potluck holiday soiree.
I know, I know. Parties can be expensive. BUT you can also host a fabulous (and frugal) holiday soiree by making it potluck. Have everyone wear their favorite holiday sweater and bring a festive dish or cocktail. Put on the holiday music and you’ve got an evening!
Marathon your Favorite holiday movies .
There are so many amazing holiday movies. Curl up with that favorite hot cocoa (two-for-one frugal joy!), get cozy, and watch some of the classic holiday movies (or re-watch your favorites).
Check out the festive decorations.
Admire the beautiful festive decorations in your area by driving through a certain neighborhood or enjoying some window-shopping. It’s also a great way to explore and discover a new area.
Do some New Year’s dreaming.
One of my favorite holiday frugal joys is reflecting on the past year and dreaming about the next. What are you grateful for? What are your favorite memories? What will you make happen in 2023?
Play in the snow.
If you live where there’s snow, put on your warm winter gear and play in the snow. Snowball fights and making snow men aren’t just for kids!
Host your own great holiday bakeoff.
Food brings me a lot of joy. Add a little friendly competition and you’ve got a great thing going. Create some ground rules (i.e. food category, how judging will work, etc), and host your own holiday bakeoff.
