The lights, the carols, the warm drinks, and the smell of cinnamon and pine make Christmas time feel so magical. But when money is tight? It can feel overwhelmingly heavy having to wonder how you can give your family the Christmas they dream of without the stress of overspending.
The good news is that a magical Christmas doesn’t have to come with a high cost. It comes from the love we share, traditions and experiences, and slow moments that allow us to make beautiful memories. With a little creativity and planning, you can create the most joyful, memorable Christmas even with a small budget.
christmas on a budget
Plan Ahead
The best way to stretch a small budget is to plan. Write down the things that matter the most to you and your family and set a reasonable budget for each. This could be gifts, meals, experiences, traditions, and so on. You can also make a list of the people you’d like to bless and brainstorm affordable or homemade gift ideas for each one. One thing I do to stay organized is use a calendar to jot down any activities, events and prep days so that I don’t feel rushed closer to Christmas.
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Thrifted Gifts
Don’t underestimate the treasures you can find secondhand! Most of my home decor and personal closet are secondhand items that I absolutely love. Thrift stores, consignment shops and online marketplaces are filled with great items like books, toys, decor, and unique items that are gently used. Buying secondhand can help you give a gift that is more meaningful and personal to the person you are giving to.
Homemade Gifts
Just as in thrifted gifts, homemade gifts can also be a more meaningful way to give. You can bake cookies, bread, or make a DIY project like a coffee mug or a photo album. Another fun idea I’ve seen all over pinterest are recipe jars. You layer all of the ingredients for a cookie recipe (or whatever other recipe you’d like) and add a tag with the instructions on how to bake it.
Host a Pitch-in Dinner
This is actually one of my favorite things to do during the holidays. Instead of trying to have a big feast where all the costs and work come solely from me, I like to invite my friends and family to bring a dish for a dinner party. I always assign categories (main, side, dessert, drinks, etc.) so that the table is full and no one has to feel any financial burden. It’s such a blessing to gather together, share food and give thanks without the financial stress of it all.
Advent Traditions
Advent is a special tradition that helps families focus on the true meaning of Christmas which is Jesus Christ. It builds anticipation for the celebration of His birth and keeps our hearts centered on Him. You can keep it as simple or a big as you want. My family has done advent many different ways throughout the years and we have very much enjoyed continuing the tradition. Here are a few ideas if your looking for different advent activities.
- Scripture Countdown – read one chapter of Luke every night in expectation to the birth of Jesus
- Tree Ornaments – add an ornament each day that tells a piece of the story leading to Christ
- Advent Candles – light a candle each Sunday while reading scripture and praying together
- Kindness Jar – Fill a jar with acts of kindness and pick one daily
- Nativity Build – place a piece of the nativity set each day (save baby Jesus for Christmas morning)
- Family Devotional Time – use an advent devotional book that’s designed for kids and families
- Traditional Advent Calendar – fill it with candle or daily activities to pick from each day
- Advent Calendar with Purpose – instead of candy or activities, fill it with scripture, prayers or ways to give to others
Attend Free Community Events
Your town or church probably hosts free community events during Christmas time. If you’re not sure about anything going on, log into Facebook and hit the events page. You will find so many events and activities going on around that you won’t know which to choose from. I’m talking tree lightings, concerts, library story hours and activities/programs. These events create special memories and the best thing: they don’t cost a thing!
Cozy Movie Nights
On the contrary to attending free community events, you don’t need them to feel festive. Cozy up at home with hot chocolate, blankets and a Christmas movie. You can also borrow DVDs from the library or use streaming services. To make it extra special, let each family member choose a movie night during December.
Need movie recommendations? Check out our family favorites, here.
Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Hosting a gift exchange instead of buying a gift for several people is also a good way to save money during the holidays. Secret Santa is one the adults in our family do every year. You can make it even more fun by setting themes like DIY only gifts, thrifted gifts, or gifts under $20.
Volunteer Together
Sometimes the best moments during Christmas are not the ones that come from receiving, but from giving. Find a place a where you and your family can serve. This could be a food pantry, a soup kitchen, or even a toy drive. Serving during the holidays teaches your children that Christmas is about Christ’s love, not gifts under the tree. Volunteering together not only blesses others, but it fills your home with a joy that money can’t buy.
Other Budget Friendly Ways to have An Amazing Christmas
- DIY Decorations: make paper snowflakes, dried orange garlands, or pinecone ornaments.
- Christmas Light Drive: fill up travel mugs with hot chocolate or coffee and drive around different neighborhoods to admire Christmas lights
- Caroling: visit family and friends, sing Christmas carols together for a fun memory making evening.
- Christmas Eve Service: attend your local church’s Christmas Eve service with your family
- Christmas Breakfast Tradition: make pancakes shaped like trees, cinnamon rolls and add a hot cocoa bar
- Family Photos at Home: dress up in your favorite Christmas sweater or pajamas and take family pictures to send to your family and friends
- Gingerbread House: buy a kit or make your own with graham crackers, frosting and Christmas candies.
The beauty of Christmas isn’t found in expensive gifts or perfectly decorated homes. It’s in the simple moments. It’s in the laughter around the tables, the carols sung together, the quiet nights spent watching movies and drinking hot chocolate. When money is tight, you have the opportunity to slow down, focus on what matters, and point your children back to the true meaning of Christmas which is Christ Himself. So mama, take a deep breath. With a little creativity and a lot of love, this might just be the best Christmas your family has had yet.
Let’s chat!