10 Low-cost ways to get in the Christmas Spirit

You do not need to save Christmas. It’s not on your shoulders. Your kids will remember presence, warmth, and connection. Not what’s under the tree.

This season can be a beautiful pause—a year where your children can learn: gratitude, creativity, togetherness, and resilience.

And that’s a gift no one can buy.

1. Christmas Lights Night Drive

   Fill travel mugs with hot chocolate

   Wear pajamas and bring blankets in the car

   Drive through the best light neighborhoods

   Bonus: play “I Spy” to turn it into a bigger adventure

2. Give “Time Coupons” instead of fancy gifts

   Each family member gets 5 scraps of paper to gift:

   • “Stay up 30 minutes late”

   • “I’ll do your chore”

   • “Your choice for movie night”

   • “Dad date/Mom date walk and talk”

   Kids love these more than toys. Truly.

3. The 12 Days of Kindness

   Instead of gifts, do tiny acts of service like:

   • Tape a candy cane and sweet note to your neighbor’s door

   • Leave a thank you card for your mail carrier

   • Drop off gently used coats, gloves, and hats where needed

   The feeling your kids get is the real magic.

4. Family Talent Night (Yes, it’s hilarious")

   Someone sings, tells jokes, does a magic trick, reads a poem… This ends in giggles 100% of the time.

5. Library Christmas

   Your library has so much:

   • Free craft nights

   • Christmas story hours

   • Movie screenings

   • Local performances

   Check your community calendar!

6. Candlelight Nativity

   Turn off the lights, light a candle, and read Luke 2 (or tell the Christmas story in your own words). Everyone goes around and shares a gift they want to give Jesus this year (patience, kindness, helping more at home, etc). This can be incredibly grounding and emotional in the best way.

7. Christmas Pizza Picnic

   • Bake or buy cheap pizza

   • Spread blankets on the floor

   • Play Christmas music

   • Everyone shares their favorite moment from the year.

8. Make a memory ornament

   You will need:

   • Foil

   • Cardboard

   • Paper

   • Marker

   Write one memory from this year that made you smile. Hang it on the tree. Do this yearly, you’ll build a memory tree over time.

9. Find a local Christmas event

   Often free:

   • Church concerts

   • City tree lightings

   • Community nativity displays

   • High school choir or band concerts

   It feels festive without spending.

10. Family Star Walk

    Bundle up, walk outside, and find the brightest star. See who can spot it first! Talk about hope, new beginnings, and how seasons change.