25 Frugal Ways to Countdown to Christmas
Christmas will be here before you know it! One of my family’s favorite activities is to countdown to Christmas by doing frugal activities throughout the month of December. These 25 activities don’t cost much money, but they are a ton of fun!
Here are 25 frugal activities to help you countdown to Christmas this year. Pick several favorites and enjoy an afternoon or evening of getting into the Christmas spirit with your family.
Create your own advent calendar
Print out a blank December calendar and mark out the days with fun stickers to count down for Christmas. Or, write a simple Christmas activity on each day to enjoy as you count down the days.
Go caroling in the nursing home
Spreading Christmas cheer is always welcome at the nursing home. If singing isn’t your thing, create homemade cards to take to the nursing home residents to pass out as you visit.
Drive around your town and look at Christmas lights
Crank up the Christmas carols, pack some hot chocolate in a thermos and see what houses have the best lights in your town.
Have a potluck Christmas party
Pool resources with friends and/or family for a Christmas potluck party. When everyone brings a dish, you’ll save time and money!
Read Christmas books
Snuggle in front of your Christmas tree and enjoy your families favorite Christmas stories.
Make your own garland
Kids love to make garland, and there are so many ways to do it! String dried cranberries, popcorn, or even cereal to create your own garland. Paper chains also make fun and easy garlands.
Bake holiday cookies
Slice and bake will do, its the time together and the delicious smell that matter most!
Enjoy a cup of cocoa as a family
Taking a moment to sip cocoa together while listening to Christmas carols or discussing favorite Christmas memories is such a nice way to get into the Christmas spirit!
Have a Christmas movie marathon
Pajamas and popcorn make it even better!
Have a picnic by your Chrismas tree
Enjoy those twinkly lights during dinner. Simply spread out a picnic blanket and have a special Christmas tree picnic.
Decorate cookies for Santa
This is always the most asked for Christmas activity in my house each December!
Make a Christmas craft
Pull out the craft supplies and make something fun!
Build a gingerbread house
Buy a kit, or make a simple gingerbread house from graham crackers.
Shop at the Dollar Tree for each other’s stocking stuffers
Kids love wrapping presents for the whole family, and shopping at a dollar store is a great way to keep it budget friendly.
Make an ornament for the tree
My kids love making ornaments from felt. Simply trace a cookie cutter onto felt, decorate it with buttons or sequins and add a ribbon hanger.
Attend a tree lighting ceremony
Find a tree lighting nearby and make an evening of it!
Take photos for your Christmas card
While not everyone always loves to take Christmas card photos, you can always bribe them!
Have a sleepover in front of the tree
Grab sleeping bags and pillows and camp out for a night together in front of the tree.
Visit Santa Claus
You don’t even have to buy a photo!
See a Christmas parade
Check your town’s newspaper or Facebook page to find a Christmas parade near you.
Attend free holiday plays and concerts in your area
I always check the churches in our area to find festive and free Christmas events.
Create a Christmas scavenger hunt
Make a list and hunt for all things Christmasy.
Go sledding
If you have snow in your area anyway.
Attend a Christmas Eve service
I love lighting candles and singing carols with my family on Christmas Eve!
Go ice skating
It just doesn’t feel like Christmas without ice skating!
How does your family countdown to Christmas?