Budget-Friendly Holiday Traditions

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to create treasured holiday memories. These fun, budget-friendly activities may very well become your family’s new favorite holiday traditions.

Festive food and drinks

1. Christmas cookie decorating contest.

Whip up your favorite sugar cookie recipe and a batch of royal icing. Buying reusable cookie-decorating equipment may be more of an investment up-front but should save you money in years to come. Who can make the prettiest cookie? The funniest? Most colorful? If you’re not a fan of sugar cookies, try this with gingerbread.

2. Hot chocolate bar.

Make homemade hot chocolate or grab a couple boxes of Swiss Miss, we love it all. Provide several topping options — marshmallows, crushed peppermint, whipped cream, sprinkles — and let everyone mix up the perfect cup. Perfect for a cozy movie night.

3. Gingerbread houses.

You don’t have to make homemade gingerbread or buy a fancy kit. A box or two of graham crackers and some storebought frosting will suffice. Decorate with leftover Halloween candy if you’re still trying to get through it!

4. Cookie exchange.

Host a cookie exchange. Each guest brings a batch or two of homemade cookies (along with recipes to share if they like). The cookies are set out on a table, and everyone grabs some of each to take home. The host may want to provide some to-go containers and instructions for the guests, if needed. For example: Do you want them to pre-package their cookies, or not? If you have a friend who doesn’t enjoy baking, let them bring storebought cookies or perhaps a savory snack, like Chex Mix.

5. Traditional family recipes.

Kids may enjoy talking to their grandparents about what they remember from childhood holidays. Do they have a cherished recipe to share? Could you make it together?

Holiday entertainment

1. Family movie night.

Think about choosing a favorite holiday movie to watch year-after-year. Some families may also choose a series to watch over winter break: “Star Wars,” “Toy Story,” Muppets movies…there are so many options! Turn off the lights, get into cozy pajamas, and don’t forget the popcorn.

2. Game day.

Play an old standby or learn something new! Invite friends and family over and ask everyone to bring a favorite game. Keep it simple by playing a classic game that doesn’t require anything other than possibly paper and pencils, like telephone, charades or exquisite corpse (which is far less morbid than it sounds).

3. Ongoing puzzle.

Leave a puzzle on a table over winter break so family members can work on it at their leisure. If you don’t have one tucked away in a closet already, join your local Buy Nothing group and ask if anyone has one to share.

4. Reading time.

Family reading sessions could be a nice respite from the hustle and bustle. Everyone can quietly read their own book, or perhaps this is more of a family storytime. Visit the library to stock up on exciting new books. This would be a fun family activity in itself; but parents could also go solo and wrap up some surprise books to read aloud later.

5. Christmas karaoke.

Throw on your favorite Christmas albums for a family sing-along. Are any family members musicians? Sing and play carols together.

Getting out of the house

1. Christmas light tour.

There are some amazing light displays around town; some are free (like Rhema), others may require tickets. Or hop in the family vehicle and simply drive (or walk) around the neighborhood.

A brisk hike may be just what you need when the kids get restless. Bundle up and head to Turkey Mountain, Oxley Nature Center, etc. What wildlife can you find, even in the winter?

2. Christmas parades.

We love the Tulsa Christmas Parade, which is nearing its 100-year anniversary. This year’s parade in downtown Tulsa is Dec. 13. But other Tulsa-area communities have their own parades. Find a list at tulsakids.com/christmas-parades-in-tulsa-and-surrounding-communities

3. Volunteering

Consider volunteering over the holidays. Go to tulsakids.com/ten-places-to-volunteer-with-your-family-in-tulsa for ideas. (Keep in mind that you may have to first apply and attend orientation.) If volunteering isn’t an option, talk about other ways your family can give back. See our Season of Giving page to read about some local nonprofits to support. Or, do you have a neighbor/family member who could use some assistance?

Decorating and creating

1. Trim the tree.

Whether you’re Team Real or Team Faux Tree, decorating the Christmas tree together can be a wonderful way to kick off the season. Talk about your favorite ornaments or maybe make some new ones.

2. Paper snowflakes.

Guarantee a white Christmas by cutting paper snowflakes and hanging them from the ceiling.

3. Homemade gifts.

Make gifts to give to friends and neighbors. Cookie or soup mix jars, sugar scrubs, or homemade slime are all relatively simple projects that even younger kids can help with. Woven potholders, a set of watercolor cards or small cross stitch ornaments are other options. And any baked goods will probably be appreciated!