Christmas on a Budget: Have a Free Holiday

Christmas on a budget? Why not take it to the next level and commit to a free Christmas this year? Read on for great tips to keep your holiday spend-free.

Christmas Cards- Forgo the expensive store bought cards and postage, and send electronic greeting cards instead. There are numerous sites that offer free cards, so shop around to find the design that you like best. Prefer to give paper cards? Search around your home for paper and supplies to make your own homemade cards, and then hand deliver them to save on the shipping.

Wrapping paper- The cost of store bought wrapping paper has gotten ridiculous, so skip it and make your own. Wrap gifts in paper that you used last year, turn brown paper bags into creative wrap complete with a stamped or painted on design, or recycle some of your children’s art work. Start looking, and you’ll be amazed at how many things can be used to wrap gifts. Want more ideas? Check out: Thrifty Gift Wrap Alternatives

Gifts- You don’t need to shop to come up with the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Instead challenge yourself to find all of your gifts around the house. Regift a few items, bake goodies from supplies that you already have on hand, or use up some of the craft and sewing supplies that you’ve accumulated. No-Cost Christmas gifts are easier to come by then you may think. Want to get the kids involved? Check out: 8 Great Gifts Kids can Make.

Decorations- Christmas decorations are a lot of fun, and fortunately they don’t have to cost anything at all. Turn empty tin cans or paper lunch bags into luminaries for the yard, craft a wreath out of pine clippings from a nearby tree, or create garland out of red and green buttons and other items that you have on hand. Just bring your family together, and let the creativity fly.

Sweets- Sweet treats are a big part of the holiday season. To keep from spending money, base your baking list on what you have on hand, and avoid buying what you don’t. Not sure what you can make with what you have? Visit AOL’s KitchenAssistant, and enter your ingredients one at a time to see what kind of recipes pop up. Who knows, you may just stumble upon something tasty and new to add to your family’s list of favorites.

Entertainment- Skip any Christmas activities that require an admission fee, and head to the free activities instead. Work parties, city-sponsored events, caroling and church activities are just a few of the possibilities. Want to get your family involved in the season of sharing? Volunteer to help the Salvation Army or another organization with their Christmas collections.

Charity- Christmas is a common time to give money and other items to charity. Does a free Christmas have to mean avoiding participation in such donations? Not at all. Focus your efforts on donating from what you have (unused coats and clothing, excess food, outgrown toys, surplus toiletries, etc.) and you’ll be helping out without sacrificing your goal of a free Christmas.

Need advice on hosting Christmas on a budget? Check out what ivillage recommends, then find ways to make it free.

It really is possible to keep Christmas on a budget, and it’s even possible to celebrate Christmas for free. How many free ways can your family find to celebrate the season?

-Erin Huffstetler

Erin Huffstetler is a freelance writer specializing in frugal living tips and tricks. Her work has appeared in numerous print and electronic publications including Family Circle, Guideposts For Kids and Pregnancy. As the stay-at-home mom of two young kids, Erin is always looking for new ways to live better for less. For fun decorating and craft project ideas check out Erin's "Trash to Treasures" and "Bead Making Basics" courses at Suite101.com.