The holiday season is quickly among us folks, and I don’t know about you, but I am not ready to endure the chaos that is Christmas time. Malls, shopping centres, even restaurants are packed with people in a panic to get the best gift or to celebrate with their colleagues and friends alike.
Traditionally my best friend and I tend to avoid giving each other gifts around the holidays mainly because we choose to go all out for their birthdays and we don’t see the sense in spending more money when we really just value time together. My sister and her best friends are the same way.
These are activities you can do with your best friend instead of splurging on a gift:
- Go to a Santa Claus Parade
When we were kids, there was nothing better than bundling up with our hot chocolate (and Timbits in hand, if you were Canadian) and going to see the magic of Christmas in the towns Santa Parade. It brings you back to when you were a child, it’s something you can only do once or twice and it’s super cheesy and fun.
2. Grab the Hot CoCoa and Go See The Holiday Lights
My family does this every year and it’s always as magical as the first time. It gives you a chance to explore, talk about life and an excuse to jam out to some Christmas songs you used to sing as a kid. Plus, who doesn’t love a late night drive?
3. Create a Christmas Craft
Remember when you were growing up and you always made decorations in school? Why stop now? You have so many ideas from homemade ornaments to Santa Claus tins, or cool pine cone dish things with lights (you know, the one’s you always see on Pinterest). Then after the craft is done you can exchange or add it to your collection of gifts for other people!
4. Grab Some Snacks and Watch Holiday Movies at Home
Have your squad bring their best and comfiest jammies and buy some food. Invite everyone over for a classic movie night and just enjoy. You could obviously make it how you want it to be, but low key and laidback nights like these often make for the best memories.
5. Christmas Baking!
I’ll be the first to admit that baking can be quite expensive but if you have one thing you want to make a ton of, it’s totally worth it. Again, make it cheesey by dressing in ugly christmas sweaters or jamming to christmas classics. You can even eat the treats while watching a movie after. There are no limits!
6. Get Your Picture Taken With Santa
Just last night I saw a group of women getting dressed up in their holiday best to get their picture taken with Santa. Some malls do it for free while others do a charge of $20. It makes for a great memory and you will always have that keepsake.
7. Volunteer Around The Holidays
Instead of spending money on yourselves donate food items to your local food drive, or even take the time to donate your time and help somewhere or someone in need. It’s honestly the best feeling in the world, and I highly recommend making this a yearly tradition!
All of these suggestions are well worth it if you’re trying to save as much money as possible! Plus, you can combine multiple of them into one night. The best thing about the holidays is that other people will probably agree to keep the heavy splurging for the family that they can’t escape and would value time together instead!
Featured image via Melissa Askew on Unsplash
