It’s a wonderful time of the year, don’t you think? Everyone is in a cheery mood, snowflakes illuminate everything in a magical way, and it is, of course, the holiday season. Make the most of it and ensure that you spend as much time as you can enjoying the company of your family and friends, and avoid stressing over the holidays and spending too much money.
Here are 10 budget-friendly family fun tips that will help you do just that:
1. Throw a party. Hosting a party at this time of year is a great way to get your friends and family together to celebrate the season. Keep the fun level at a maximum but the cost to a minimum by throwing a potluck. Encourage each guest to bring a different dish, and make a note of what everyone is bringing so there is a nice variety. Arranging a potluck will drastically cut the cost of a party, and allow you to focus more on setting the scene with décor and music. Have a room or area ready for kids to play in, and stock it with toys, activities (paper, crayons, etc.) and healthy snacks. The more occupied the children are, the less bored they’ll get, allowing everyone at the party to have a great, worry-free time!
2. Get outside. Don’t underestimate the simple joy of spending time outside. Bundle up the family, pack a big thermos of hot chocolate, and go to a local park or skating rink. Spend the day making snow angels, having lighthearted snowball fights and making snow forts. Don’t forget to bring along a camera so you can document your family’s winter fun!
3. Check out the lights. One of the prettiest parts of this time of year is the lights and decorations that illuminate the city. Make an evening of driving around the city and admiring the ornaments in different neighborhoods. Many areas just outside of Calgary (like Bearspaw) have incredible light displays, so don’t be hesitant to venture out of town. Right in Calgary, you can check out the lights at the Lions Club Christmas Light Display at Confederation Golf Course; alternately, head to Airdrie for the Airdrie Festival of Lights (www.airdriefestivaloflights.com), which takes place every evening through the month of December.
4. Sweet somethings. Baked goodies make excellent gifts. They’re fun to make, affordable and will save you a ton of money. They’re especially good to give as last-minute gifts, or as a token of appreciation for co-workers, neighbors or teachers. Set aside an entire day for doing this; make several batches of cookies, loaves or even pies, and then let them cool completely. Transfer to freezer bags, squeeze out excess air and seal. Freeze until needed, and then before giving them out as gifts, remove from the freezer bags and place in decorative boxes, baskets or bags.
5. Wrap it up. Wrapping paper and gift bags are not only expensive, but they can be an awful waste, environmentally speaking. Instead of the traditional packaging, opt to conceal your gifts in just that - gifts. Cover up a small or medium-sized gift with a scarf or pashmina, or place in an eco-friendly reusable tote (cheaper than gift bags - find them in stores like Winners/Homesense and Pier 1) and top with a pretty fabric ribbon, which can be used again. If you want to get creative, wrap the gifts in something that is related to the recipient’s interests, like an old map for the globetrotter, or some nice fabric for the creative person in your life.
6. Get crafty. Keep your kids comfy-cozy with a creation of their very own – an animal scarf! First off, choose an animal (like a cat, dog or bird). Pick up a metre of soft, cozy fabric (like fleece), a few sheets of felt in various colors, some googly eyes, and anything else that would look good. Cut out ears, a tail, a mouth, nose or beak out of the felt. Help your child cut out the shape of the animal (make sure it’s almost a metre long and 20 to 25 centimetres) and then use a hot glue gun to glue the pieces on. If your child would like to make a bird scarf, grab some decorative feathers to glue on as well.
7. Send it online. While it’s not a traditional option, it’s a good one, nonetheless. Sending out your holiday cards using websites like Send Out Cards (www.sendoutcards.com) will allow you to send your cards on a schedule, personalize them (with photographs, personal messages and even your own handwriting!). They’re also less expensive overall than purchasing cards.
8. Think ahead. When it comes to gift giving, chances are during the holidays you’re likely to rack up your credit cards, buy too much and get overwhelmed; everyone does it. But if you want to stop this expensive, stressful cycle, you just need to get organized. First, write a list of everyone you plan to buy gifts for. Next to each person, write down a few of their interests (cooking, reading, photography, etc.) and the maximum amount of money that you’d like to spend. Take this list when you go shopping, and when you buy something for someone off your list, make note of the item, as well as the cost. This process will prevent you from going over your budget and losing track of your purchases.
9. Shop online. Shopping online is a fun option. You’ll also be able to order cool items for anyone on your list with great websites like Think Geek (www.thinkgeek.com) and Amazon (www.amazon.ca). Also try to use websites that offer free shipping to/within Canada, and no-fee returns.
10. Go hiking. Think that winter is an off-season for hiking? It’s not! In fact, winter hiking is often more exciting than it is in the summer. One fun trail is through Grotto Canyon (the trailhead is in a parking lot along Highway 1A, just before Exshaw), where you walk through the canyon over top of a frozen creek. The whole trail turns to ice in the winter, so it always manages to be a slip ‘n slide good time! Bundle up the little ones in snow gear (both for warmth and a little extra padding) and pack plenty of water and snacks.
Stephanie is a freelance writer specializing in travel and food writing. For more information, visit www.stephaniearsenault.ca.
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