Ten Ways to Make Christmas Merry Without
Spending a Fortune

From LoveToKnow Christmas

Despite what retailers would have us believe, Christmas is not all about spending. You can have a memorable Christmas, filled with happy times and the spirit of giving while still being frugal. Check out our list of ten great ways to pump up your holiday excitement for free or very little money!

Making Christmas merry...
  1. Hold a "regifting" party: Ok, we all know it isn't polite to regift. However, if that is the point of the party, it is perfectly acceptable. Have everyone bring a nice, but unwanted gift – that artwork that wasn't to her taste or the martini pitcher the teetotaler received – and let everyone swap.



  2. Take in the sights and enjoy the lights: No matter where you live, someone nearby probably goes all out on the annual Christmas lights display. Put some cocoa in your thermos, bundle up the family and spend an evening driving around looking at the amazing Christmas lights displays. Check sites like Christmas Light Finder or Bronner's Christmas Wonderland to find listings in your local area.



    Get crafty with easy, handmade ornaments
  3. Make handmade Christmas ornaments: Ornaments do not have to be expensive or store-bought to be festive. Fold elegant Christmas stars or get ideas for easy homemade ornament crafts.



  4. Deck the halls: Whether you dig out Grandma's special holiday china settings, or just use festive colors in paper plates and utensils, setting an elegant table for your holiday meal puts everyone in the mood to celebrate. Light some candles, drape a garland and decorate to your heart's content this Christmas.



  5. Share favorite Christmas tales: Whatever your age, there is a great sense of nostalgia that comes from revisiting classic Christmas books and movies. Whether you love the Grinch or 'Twas the Night before Christmas, you can visit your local library to borrow some of these holiday stories for free. Many libraries also loan videos for free; you can borrow movies from friends or rent them inexpensively from local video starts. This list of classic Christmas movies will get you started on hours of seasonal fun.



  6. Embrace the giving spirit: Tight on cash? You can still help your favorite charities by giving of yourself. Donate your time or unused items to a worthwhile Christmas charity effort. And did you know that just by visiting this page, you are helping LoveToKnow's effort to donate to charity? If you are in need, remember it is ok to ask for help. Whether you are having a tough time this year, or know someone who needs a boost, you might want to solicit a little extra help this holiday season. Learn how to suggest a recipient for Toys for Tots or find other places families in need can get children's gifts.



  7. Create in the kitchen: Holiday treats do not have to be expensive or difficult to make. Whip up some homemade candy or cookies to share with family and friends. Consider making a big batch of one goody and then attending a cookie swap so you can get several varieties in exchange for your labor.
    Christmas cookies are always appreciated




  8. Take time to enjoy the people you love: Holidays do not have to be about crowds of people and big crazy events. Take time to enjoy the simple pleasures of the season, from making snow angels to hosting a family game night. Don't forget to really read the cards and holiday letters you get in the mail!



  9. Sing Christmas carols: You don't have to head out and serenade the neighbors to make merry melodies. You can learn some Christmas guitar chords, sing along with popular Christmas MP3s or download lyrics and sheet music for your favorite holiday songs online.



  10. Relax: Isn't it funny how such a joyous season can be such a stressful time of year? Give yourself a break and remind yourself that you really don't have to do it all. Skip some of the challenging items on your list and do the ones that are more meaningful as well as fun so you can really relax and enjoy Christmas. No one will care that you bought slice-and-bake cookie dough or didn't bake Aunt Agatha's famous fruitcake recipe. In fact, they might thank you.

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Remember that Christmas not only doesn't come from a store – it doesn't come with rules. In addition to honoring your fondest memories of Christmases past, you can create new traditions by doing the things you and your family will cherish most, without breaking your budget.

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