$25 FAMILY HOLIDAY CHALLENGE: MEANINGFUL Traditions that
Cost Little or Nothing
BY REBECCA FAST . PHOTO BY MAGNIFIC
Bake Off Contest Foster a little friendly competition with a bake off. It can be a serious gingerbread house decorating contest or a silly challenge for the most creative shaped cookies. Give Together The holidays are a great opportunity to explore local nonprofits or charities. Many organizations are seeking specific donations or volunteers. Discover what’s happening in and around your neighborhood or community and see how your family can give back together. For a list of family volunteer opportunities, visit metrofamilymagazine.com/family-volunteer-opportunities. Find Free Events November and December are full of fun, family-friendly activities— with many being free to attend. Search the MetroFamily calendar for free events at MetroFamilyMagazine.com to enjoy a holiday parade, festival or concert. A Friend’s Potluck Split the bill of hosting with a friend’s potluck dinner. Everyone gets to share an appetizer or dish they love and gain an evening of laughter and friendship. Visit Your Local Metro Library Metro Libraries offer a host of family-friendly activities throughout November and December—from seasonal story times and holiday crafts to writing letters to Santa and festive entertainment. The Makerspace studios are also a great place to create handmade holiday gifts, whether it’s a 3D-printed ornament or a custom card. And while you’re there, check out books for fun holiday reads or a glimpse into holiday traditions from cultures around the world. “We have lots of holiday books in our collection,” says Alyssia Cotts, librarian at Metro Library. “During Thanksgiving and Christmas, we’ll have these on display in our children’s areas for families to explore throughout the season.”
14 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2026 If the kids have a special tree in the house they can decorate (see note above), grab whatever craft items you already have and get creative. You don’t need a special kit or expensive supplies. It’s about taking what you have and applying a little imagination. It’s also a chance to knock out gifts for the grandparents. Make this holiday season merry and meaningful without breaking the budget. We’ve compiled a list of fun and frugal ways—$25 or less—to create cherished memories. It’s easy to get caught up in the flurry of holiday spending, so take a moment to reflect on what traditions would mean the most to your family. After all, memories are about time spent together, not how much is spent. Paper Chain Christmas Countdown As a fun, after Thanksgiving activity, make a paper chain with each ring representing a day in December. Beginning December 1, take a ring off for each day. It’s a great visual tool and offers an enjoyable way of anticipating the holiday. Decorate the Tree Together Seems simple, but for many parents, having little hands help can require an extra dose of patience. While it may be faster to decorate the tree yourself, make it an event and involve everyone. Unwrapping ornaments tied to memories is its own tradition. And if the main tree needs the extra care, consider having a smaller tree somewhere to let the kids have free reign in decorating. Christmas Tree Campout Who doesn’t enjoy the twinkly glow of Christmas tree lights? Grab pillows and blankets and sleep under the ‘stars.’ There’s no guarantee of a great night’s sleep, but there’s a good chance of giggles and good stories. Craft Handmade Ornaments
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