This Christmas, more than ever, we are all feeling the pinch of how much it costs to live! I asked the girls if this year they wanted to do the activity advent that we have previously done. Both looked at me and said “is it okay if we have chocolate ones, with little doors?” I was like sure!! Haha. It doesn’t mean we won’t do lots of lovely Christmas activities it just means I don’t have to organise everything in one go and spend money on it!
Of course we will do our yearly traditions, gingerbread house making, hot chocolate dates and driving around the lights. So I thought I would put a list together of some of the activities we might do this year and all of them are either free or cheap! Because like I said this year will be harder for most people. It also brings things back to what Christmas is all about (not Jesus, sorry haha) but the magic in the simple things, the little moments and small joys.
SO without further waffle from me here’s my list of 15 activities to do this Christmas!
1 . Lights Walk (or drive but fuel!!!) – Walk around your neighbourhood and find all the pretty lights. The girls will want to take their flashlights. Thanks Youtube! Take a flask of hot chocolate or warm up with a mug when you’re home. There’s something special about the cosy dark evenings at Christmas.
2 . Make Salt Dough Decorations – 250g plain flour, 125g salt, 125 ml water. You could even pick up some cheap paints (pound shops) but it’s an activity that comes in under £2 and you can let the kids get creative!
3 . Christmas Cinema Night – Make your own tickets (maybe even posters?), raid the cupboards for cinema snacks and pop on a Christmas film.
4 . Write Santa Letters – Design your own or find a free printable. I have one here.
5 . Visit Your Town or City’s Lights – And keep an eye out for free events.
6. Make Paper Snowflakes – Grab some paper and scissors and get cutting. You can find tutorials online for different shapes and styles. Then hang them up and decorate your WHOLE house haha!
7. BAKE! – Biscuits are simple. Or grab some digestives and icing pens and let the kids design their own cookies. I have lots of ideas on my Instagram!
8. Make & Write Cards – We made cute fingerprint cards last year, but there are loads of ideas on Pinterest and Instagram to get you inspired. Pop on some Christmas music too.
9. Have a Picnic Under the Christmas Tree – Set up some blankets and have a festive cosy time!
10. Book Advent – Wrap up books you have. Bonus points for Christmas ones but if not just use any. The kids will love unwrapping and reading together. Sarah @littlebugtogs on Instagram has loads of great advice on this.
11. Christmas I-Spy / Scavenger Hunt – You could do it around your house or on a walk. Draw up a list before or find a printable online.
12. Make Reindeer Food – Mix together oats and dried fruit. Make a bag from paper or draw on a paper bag. I also have a printable for that here. And a recipe card here.
13. Christmas Playdough – Make your own or buy a tub (£1 in supermarkets and pound shops) add in any winter animals you have, craft bits etc.
14. Crafts! – Of course. Paper chains. Colouring, drawing, you name it. I’m sharing lots on my Instagram and there’s heaps on inspiration on Pinterest.
15. Elf Factory – Put on your festive outfits and get wrapping. Wrap presents for family members or just have some fun pretending to be elves. Or plan elf activities, make elf ears! Sounds bananas? The kids will love it.
I hope some of these ideas are useful and I can’t wait to get started on our festive season!
