Christmas might be magical, but it can also end up being expensive…
December doesn’t have to cost a fortune though – there are plenty of free and low-cost festive activities for the whole family to enjoy.
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Share a Festive Story
There are so many fantastic Christmas books for kids of all ages from classics to modern day stories. I love curling up and reading to my kids. Now they’re older they tend to read on their own, or sometimes we’ll take it in turns to read a chapter each.
Whilst all bookshops will have a festive display at this time of year – your local library will too. Not only is it completely free to join and borrow books from the library, it also supports authors and illustrators.
Libraries also often have extra activities on for kids over the holidays from craft workshops to bounce and rhyme times so it’s worth checking to see what’s on near you.
If you can’t make it to the library, do check out the books in your local charity shop for a low cost alternative.
Another option is to watch Christmas books being read online. CBeebies and YouTube has lots of options including my new festive story The Great Christmas Tree Race which was illustrated by my husband James.
Homemade Decorations for your tree
There is something very satisfying about making decorations to hang on your tree. These also make lovely gifts for friends and family.
Thinly slice oranges before drying them in the oven.
Collect pinecones and once clean and dry, paint and decorate them.
If you have access to a printer, you could download a free colouring in sheet like this one based on our new book.
Make Christmas Cards
It is always lovely to receive a handmade Christmas card. If you’re looking for inspiration, there are lots of ideas on Pinterest from drawings to handprints.
Christmas Baking
Another low cost option for family festive fun is Christmas baking. We love making gingerbread stars and people in our house.
This is a great easy recipe to follow and one that’s easy enough for the kids to get involved with too.
Write to Santa
If you haven’t already, don’t forget to write to Santa!
Letters can be decorated with Christmas drawings too.
You can find tips and templates here.
Festive film night
There are so many brilliant Christmas films to watch from animations to childhood favourites. We love watching The Snowman, The Polar Express and Home Alone.
Curl up together with some festive snacks and get into the Christmas spirit.
Go for a wintery walk
It’s always nice to get outside and go for a wintery walk, as long as you’re dressed for the weather of course.
Encourage any reluctant young family members to join by writing or drawing a scavenger hunt list of things for them to spot along the way.
Go and see the lights
My kids love looking at Christmas lights. There are some fantastic paid displays on all around the country – here in Cornwall we recently saw the lights at the Eden Project and Heligan Night Garden.
But a completely free option is to walk or drive through your local area and look at the lights and displays that local homes have put up.
Make paper chains
It’s not just the tree that needs decorating – handmade paper chains work beautifully to decorate the house.
You could also cut out snowflakes from old wrapping paper. These also look lovely and festive stuck in a window.
Christmas disco
Finally, put on your most sparkly outfit, turn up the twinkling lights press play on some festive tunes and create your very own Christmas disco at home!
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas.
Naomi Jones is an award-winning children’s author and mum of two. You can find out more about her books on her website and Instagram.
