It's never easy on your wallet during the holidays, but getting in the Christmas spirit is good for your mood! So here are some practical ways to enjoy the season without spending all your money.
1. Hot chocolate and a Christmas movie
It might not be snowing outside, but if it's dark out, get cozy on your couch. Pick a new Christmas movie or one of your favorite holiday classics, and grab some hot cocoa! Wrap yourself in a blanket, turn on your Christmas tree lights, and let the holiday spirit fill you up!
2. Go for a Christmas lights drive
All you have to do is find the nearest subdivision that decorates for the holiday and drive/walk around! Some towns will even put on Christmas light shows regularly or the occasional parade. Google and Facebook events will be your best friend for that.
3. Go window shopping
Big cities like New York thrive on their window displays drawing customers in, but even small towns' downtown shops will decorate their stores for the holidays. Window shopping can be difficult if you're a shopaholic, but with a little self-control, you can enjoy the creative displays without spending a dime!
4. Christmas music 24/7
Maybe you're a "Christmas can't start until after Thanksgiving" person, or maybe you think "Christmas is welcome the day after Halloween." Regardless of how long you think the Christmas season should last, most people grow in holiday spirit with a little music. Radio stations play Christmas music all the time, but Spotify ensures you hear nothing but your favorites. So, sing at the top of your lungs during a drive, decorating, cooking, and any other time your heart desires!
5. Go Christmas caroling
This might not be your cup of tea if you don't sing well, but if you grab enough of your friends that also can't sing, it will be a blast! Places welcome volunteers, but you could also organize your own caroling night with your neighborhood, friends, family, etc.
6. Enjoy the snow!!
Weather permitting: go sledding, build a snowman, go snowmobiling, make a snow angel, go skiing or snowboarding, have a snowball fight, or just lay in it! Oh, and make sure you only eat the white snow!
