7 Ways to Make the Holidays Magical When Money is Tight

Times are Hard.
Black women are out of jobs. Government workers don’t know when they’ll be paid. Benefits and subsidies are no longer available. The recession indicators are everywhere. But time does not stand still. The holidays are right around the corner. If you’re raising small children, the arrival of this festive season might elicit feelings of doom and gloom as you consider how to bring smiles to your children’s faces.

But if money is funny and change is strange, there are still plenty of ways you can make the holidays magical for your little ones. Instead of going into debt splurging on gifts your children will have forgotten about in a couple of weeks, prioritize experiences. You’ll spend more time together and create the type of memories you and your children will treasure for years to come.

Game Nights
After you’ve gone back for leftovers and the dishes have been cleared, use the dining room table for a family game night. Pull out the classics like Uno, Tonk, or Spades. If you’ve got the time, use social media to find more interactive games. If you have enough people willing to participate, you can make a whole tournament out of it.

Cook Together
Most of the family cooks want to be left alone in the kitchen. But some of the best bonding comes when you prepare food with the ones you love. It’s an opportunity to pass down recipes, share family lore—all while doing something to benefit the entire family.

Volunteer
In a quest to make our children happy, we can sometimes forget that the holidays aren’t just about receiving. While the kids are out of school and you have time off work, dedicate some time to pour into someone else. Volunteer at a food kitchen. Shop for groceries for a shelter. Buy presents for children who typically don’t receive anything this time of year. Not only will you share your principles, but this is also an opportunity for your children to feel the sincere joy of doing for others.

Get Crafty
From October to January, your house can look and feel different each month with decor and accoutrements to celebrate various holidays. Get your kids involved by crafting some of the items you eventually display. It could be a cornucopia, wreath, or an ornament. A lot of the tools you’ll need can be found at your local dollar store.

Christmas Movie Nights
I love the time between Christmas and New Year’s Day when you lose track of the days, eating leftovers and lounging around the house. Make the most of this time together by having a Christmas movie marathon. Snuggle up in some blankets, cradle a mug of hot chocolate, and watch your family’s holiday faves. I recommend adding Jingle Jangle to the list.

Write Letters
Gospel singers Erica and Tina Campbell shared that one of their most memorable Christmases came during a year when money was tight. Instead of gifts, the family exchanged heartfelt letters to one another, sharing what they loved and admired about their siblings and parents.

Christmas Karaoke
Whether you sing Christmas carols or rap Cardi B lyrics, there are few things that bring more joy than singing with your loved ones. If you want to spice things up, make it a competition and offer a prize for the best performance.