In the wake of a dramatic rise in overconsumption in the U.S., I am increasingly feeling pulled to kindle the fire of beautiful, ordinary days. I feel we need to reawaken contentment with what we have, creating lasting and real family experiences, and not just spin an endless consumption wheel.
In honor of that, here are 12 ways you can create a cozy and magical Christmas for your family – (mostly) for free! I hope these ideas inspire you.
1. Cozy Up and Read Christmas Stories Out Loud Together
When was the last time you sat in a circle with your friends or loved ones and read stories together? Maybe never? You might feel silly, you might find you LOVE it. Either way, try it out! Christmas stories are NOT just for children. You’ll be surprised how much you enjoy this even as an adult. If you don’t have any handy, make a special trip to the library and have an entire event picking them out! See what treasures you find.
2. Gratitude Scroll
Using whatever supplies you have on hand, make a “gratitude scroll” for the whole family. Throughout December, have family write what they are thankful for! You can reuse the scroll each year and keep adding it, or make a new one each year.
3. Hot Cocoa & Lights
This one is so easy for a weeknight – it takes almost no planning! After dinner, make some hot cocoa and take it in travel mugs. Head out in the car or on a walk, and go explore to find beautiful lights in your neighborhood or even surrounding neighborhoods!
4. Make a Christmas Playlist
This is so basic, but crucial! Playing Christmas music (to your taste) throughout the season can make for special mornings or just fun dance breaks. Take 30 min to curate a Christmas list, and add to it each year.
5. Christmas Letters
Take some time to write each of your loved ones an annual Christmas letter. Recall the best memories you made with them this year, and what you are thankful for about them. This can be for your friends, partner, kids – anyone! Place the letters under the tree in a box and read them Christmas morning. Save the letters year to year, and enjoy looking back on your memories together.
6. Play Instruments & Sing Christmas Music Together
Free Christmas Sheet Music: https://www.christmasmusicsongs.com/
When was the last time you pulled out your old instruments or actually sat to play at your piano? Make time to enjoy it – slow down and take a second to the thing you never do, and do it together!
7. Christmas Movies or Episodes Marathon with Bingo!
Line up your favorite (free) Christmas movies or TV episodes, and play Movie Bingo. There are tons of free bingo cards online, but you can also generate your own here:
https://freechristmasmoviebingo.com/home.html
8. Handmade Gifts
Making handmade gifts can take time and resources, but it’s also a fun and creative challenge to use what you already have, or find low-cost options! Below are some free projects to inspire you, but the sky is the limit! Look around at what supplies you have around you, and get creative.
- Reversible Bread Bowl: https://blog.spoonflower.com/2017/01/17/diy-reversible-bowl-covers/
- Apron: https://www.papernstitchblog.com/how-to-sew-an-apron-in-10-minutes/
- Makeup Bag: https://www.secretlifeofaseamstress.co.uk/blog/2024/01/31/how-to-sew-a-cosmetics-bag-in-an-hour-easy-beginner-sewing-project/
- Chili Oil: https://thewoksoflife.com/how-to-make-chili-oil/#recipe
- Biscotti: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snv7WpjLX5o
- Chocolate Bombs (no mold required: https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/better-hot-chocolate-bombs/
- Vanilla Extract: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-vanilla-extract/
- Pressed flower bookmarks: https://lovelyindeed.com/how-to-make-bookmarks-with-pressed-flowers-kid-friendly-diy/
9. Christmas Themed Workout
Admittedly not the coziest, but keeping a workout schedule can be a great way to balance all the treats! Do a Christmas-themed workout for an extra seasonal challenge. I’ve linked a classic below:
Christmas-themed Workout: 12 days of Christmas: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/12-days-of-christmas-bodyweight-workout.html
10. Family Puzzle
For an easy activity that usually triggers some spontaneous conversation – set a puzzle out on a table that isn’t frequently used, and let the family come around it with coffee to work on it. This is a great option if you’re hosting for the holidays!
11. Gingerbread House, Cinnamon Rolls, or other Treats
We love to make a gingerbread house each year, but this does NOT have to be fancy. Use what you have with graham crackers (or even other cookies!), leftover Halloween candy (you’re welcome, parents), and get creative. You could also make special breakfasts, try out cinnamon rolls recipes, or get a little more old fashioned with Christmas candy making.
The gingerbread house recipe I used this year: https://sugarspunrun.com/gingerbread-house-recipe/
12. Perform Funny Christmas Skits
This might take some convincing, but there are SHORT and FREE skits you can perform with your family & friends that will have you giggling together for hours. Engage in some lighthearted fun, or seek out some more adult humor – it’s up to you!
https://www.lovetoknow.com/celebrations/christmas/free-christmas-comedy-skits-plays
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