DealDash Cheer on a Budget: Fun & Festive Activities

Christmas is almost here! Help the time pass quickly for your kids by doing fun holiday activities on a budget this season.

The holiday season is all about joy, togetherness, and creating special memories. However, with gifts to buy, meals to plan, and decorations to hang, expenses can add up quickly. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to make the holidays special! Here are some fun and affordable ways to celebrate the season with your family while staying within budget. Keep reading for some fun ideas from DealDash.

DIY Budget Holiday Decorations

Deck the halls without breaking the bank by making your own festive décor! It’s not only budget-friendly but also a fun way to bond as a family. These are great activities for all ages, but most will need a little help from an adult. DIY decorations not only save money but add a personal and cozy touch to your home.

• Paper Snowflakes: Grab some paper, scissors, and get creative. Kids will love cutting out unique designs to hang in windows.
• Salt Dough Ornaments: Mix 2 parts flour, 1 part salt, and 1 part water to make salt dough. Shape it into stars, trees, or handprints, bake, and paint for personalized ornaments.
• Mason Jar Luminaries: Use empty jars, a little paint, and battery-operated candles to make glowing luminaries for your mantel or table.
• Popcorn Garlands: String popcorn and cranberries together to create a rustic and charming tree garland.

Cozy Holiday Movie Nights

Turn your living room into a winter wonderland for a festive family movie night, You’ll have tons of fun without the price of movie tickets. Want to make it extra fun? Let the kids create “movie tickets” or set up a snack bar to feel like a mini theater at home. Want to make it super extra fun? Bring out the retro popcorn popper. Check out DealDash’s Kitchen & Dining category, you can occassionally find one up for bid!

• Make it Special: Pile up blankets (from DealDash, of course!), pillows, and twinkling lights for a cozy atmosphere.
• Serve Treats: Hot cocoa with marshmallows, homemade popcorn, and cookies add that extra festive touch.
• Choose Holiday Classics: Movies like Home Alone, The Polar Express, or Elf are perfect for kids and adults alike.

Free or Low-Cost Community Events

Many communities host free or affordable events during the holiday season, so take advantage of what’s happening nearby. Check the Nextdoor app to see what’s going on in your local area. These events offer a fun way to celebrate while staying connected to your community and the season’s spirit.

• Holiday Parades: Check for local Christmas or winter parades filled with lights, floats, and music.
• Tree Lightings: Attend a local tree-lighting ceremony and enjoy the festive atmosphere (some even have free hot cocoa or caroling!).
• Library Events: Libraries often offer free holiday storytime, craft sessions, or movie screenings for kids.
• Neighborhood Light Tours: Pile into the car, play some holiday music, and drive through neighborhoods known for spectacular holiday lights.

Fun Family Traditions at Home

Sometimes the best memories are made with simple traditions you create together. Here are a few budget-friendly ideas for you to try out this season. These traditions cost little to nothing but become family memories year after year.

• Holiday Baking Day: Pick a day to bake cookies or treats as a family. Everyone can decorate their own creations with frosting and sprinkles.
• Crafty Gift-Making: Spend an afternoon making homemade gifts like painted mugs, photo albums, or ornaments for loved ones.
• Game Nights with a Holiday Twist: Play charades, Pictionary, or bingo using holiday-themed words. Add small prizes for a little extra fun.
• Winter Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of holiday-themed items (e.g., candy canes, Santa hats, wreaths) for kids to find around the house or neighborhood.

Thanks for Reading

Spreading holiday cheer doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. By focusing on DIY budget decorations, cozy movie nights, community events, and simple family traditions, you can create a festive season that everyone will cherish for years to come. After all, the magic of the holidays comes from time spent together, not how much you spend. How will your family celebrate this year? Thanks so much for reading, and happy bidding everyone!

This sponsored DealDash blog article was written by Dawn E, a mother of 3 who loves DealDash. Dawn was compensated for writing this article. Check out Dawn and her cats on Instagram! This blog is written by real DealDash customers. The opinions and advice shared here represent our customers’ views and not those of the company.