Top 22 holiday cost savers for families

Posted in Parenting / Parenting Tips & Advice / Mom & Dad

Holiday Fun
On The Cheap

Are you looking forward to the holidays, but dreading the high price tag that comes along with cooking, entertaining, decorating and buying gifts? We've got you covered with our top 22 cost savers to help you and your kiddies celebrate the holidays- all while sticking to a budget that won't have you scrambling to pick up a few extra shifts at work to cover the costs of your holiday extravaganza!

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Cost Cutting Ways to Entertain the Brood

16. Invent your own special rituals
According to the authors of Celebrate Green, have each guest write down what they're greatful for and read each others statements. It could be putting on a puppet show about gratitude or creating a gratitude time capsule you open the following year. Maybe it's about a game you play only on Thanksgiving, a funny toast or a craft. Let your own family and its history be your guide.

17. Turn your living room into a movie theater
Forget shelling out $10 a ticket to see a movie. If you've got cable you can likely order a brand new movie for less than $5.00 and stop, play and rewind it- to accommodate bathroom breaks and a quick time –out for microwave popcorn.

18. Summon your Imagination and play games the old-fashioned way—no batteries required!
Play hide and seek red light, green light, red rover or charades. Get some pads and pens and let your kids create and act in a play, or choose a known story and turn it into a play.

19. Volunteer with the kids at your local animal shelter- it's free!
You can search out other local volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood at sites like Volunteermatch.org. And for simple ways to volunteer your time -- bake cookies for seniors, set up a winter bird feeder and make sure your children keep it filled throughout the winter.

20. Check out free events in your neighborhood!
Check your local parenting guide for a listing of the museums, zoos, festivals, plays and other facilities that are offer free family admission days...you'd be surprised at just how many freebie visits you can score!

21. Visit your local library… a lot has changed!
Use the time off to visit your local library- sign up for a card and borrow some books. And while you're there check out their schedule of workshops, classes and their collection of video games and DVD's – which you can rent –free!

22. Huddle around the computer (the new fireplace)!
You can play video games, watch movies and even print free coloring pages and activities. Sites like FreePrintable.net feature a network of sites which offers everything from recipe cards to kids' coloring pages (freeprintablecoloringpages.net). Check out another nifty site online and make a paper toy at Thetoymaker.com/3WORKSHOP.html.

Above all else don't forget the most important part of your holiday celebration- bonding and connecting with the ones you love; because isn't that truly what the holidays are all about?!

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