With a potential recession right around the corner and uncertainty in the workplace, sometimes it’s helpful to simplify where possible.
In what way can you quickly simplify your life? Saving money and finding free things to do instead of paying for expensive entertainment can give you peace of mind and financial padding.
During the holiday season is no different when it comes to saving money.
No matter the holiday you celebrate, there are plenty of wonderful things you can do for free around your home with your family, extended family, or friends.
These are 12 free things people can do during the holidays:
- Spend time with your loved ones: The holidays are a beautiful time to spend some enjoyable time with your family and friends. Plan a get-together or visit with loved ones to celebrate the season. Throughout the year, it’s easy to get busy, so the holidays are a perfect opportunity to make up for the lost time.
- Go for a walk or hike: Get outside and enjoy the beautiful winter weather by going for a walk or hike. You can take a walk from your home or make a quick drive out to a trail you’ve been meaning to visit. Hiking is a great way to exercise and enjoy the scenery, and a great time to catch up with a friend or family member if you bring them along for the walk.
- Volunteer in the community: Whether volunteering at a soup kitchen or visiting your grandparents to help clean up their yard, there are many ways you can spend time serving others. Check community bulletin boards, the local paper, or with local religious organizations and non-profits to see where there’s a need for something you can provide.
- Clean your home and property: It might sound not very interesting, but spending some time over the holidays tidying up your home and property can be rewarding. You don’t have to invest money; even raking some leaves and planting a few winter vegetables can be fun to spend an afternoon before family arrives.
- Enjoy the holiday lights and decorations: Many communities have holiday light displays that are free to view. Take a walk, drive around to see the lights, and get into the holiday spirit.
- Attend a community event: Many communities offer free holiday events such as concerts, festivals, or workshops. Check your local calendar to see what free events are happening in your area and get out there with the people who share your area.
- Visit a local museum or art gallery: Many museums and art galleries offer free admission or reduced rates during the holidays. Take the chance to explore and learn something new about culture, art, music, and your region.
- Sell your things: To make some extra money during the holidays, you can spend a day hosting a yard sale or sell your items digitally through Facebook Marketplaces. Many of us have lots of things we have collected that we don’t need any longer. You can always donate your unneeded items if you don’t want to deal with the selling.
- Go ice skating: Many communities have outdoor ice-skating rinks that are free or low-cost to use. Grab some friends or family and enjoy a fun day on the ice. Some communities also host free tree lightings, another fun way to spend a holiday evening.
- Have a movie night at home: Rent or stream a holiday movie and enjoy it with loved ones in your home.
- Make your own decorations: Get creative and make your own holiday decorations using materials you have at home. This can be a fun and budget-friendly way to add holiday cheer to your home.
- Go swimming: Stop by the community pool or favorite local river or lake to swim with family or friends.
Ultimately, you can do more things for free during the holidays than you first realized. With a little creativity and thought, there are free things to do at home, out in the community, and around your town or city.
The holidays bring out the best in all of us, so continue practicing gratitude, show love for those around you who support you through the year, and reward yourself with joy for a brand new year soon to come.
Whether a recession comes in 2023 or not, now is as great of a time as ever to be more frugal and prepared for anything that may come in the future.
