Holiday Ideas That Won't Break the Bank
December 14th, 2009
Utah Stories shares 8 local ways to make the holidays memorable--and none of them will empty your wallet
by Rebecca Edwards
Every year we find ourselves doing financial gymnastics to create a memorable holiday experience. In the best of times, the added expense of holiday cheer is hard for most of us to manage; this year, it may feel impossible. Utah Stories has come up with some inexpensive ideas that will be sure to keep your spirits bright, and your budget light.
Any of these ideas can be "gifts" in themselves. These are ways to create memories, spend time with loved ones, remember the true spirit of the season and avoid blowing hundreds of dollars on gifts that will likely become lost, broken or forgotten before the snow melts.
Hit the Hill: Bundle up your crew and head to the nearest hill with your sleds, saucers and tubes. There's no age limit to flying down a slick hillside, tumbling head over heels and laughing your ass off. Bring along some cookies or popcorn and a thermos of steaming hot cocoa to ward off the inevitable chills. Make your hot chocolate extra special by adding your favorite coffee syrup to create raspberry, mint, or caramel cocoa -- and don't forget the marshmallows!
Watch the Glow: Utah offers lots of ways to enjoy the twinkles of holiday lights. From Ogden's Christmas Village to Midway's Christmas Celebration in the Wasatch Mountains to Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo, you can fall under the magical spell of bright lights softly glowing under snow along with traditional holiday displays featuring Santa and Frosty or Nativity scenes from around the world. And don't forget the amazing lights of Temple Square -- a true Utah tradition.
Wrap It Up: Instead of wasting money (and natural resources) on expensive wrapping paper, you can make your own. Take butcher paper or newsprint and use stamps, paints, stickers, glitter and your imagination to make unique wrapping paper that everyone will remember. Use string, raffia and natural items like cinnamon sticks, eucalyptus and pine cones to top your gifts. I did this with my kids when they were little and they still remember it fondly -- even as teenagers.
String 'em Along: Stores today sell strings of fake cranberries and while the notion of stringing popcorn may seem quaint and outmoded, the activity of stringing your own cranberries and popcorn is a chance to sit together, sip eggnog and enjoy some rare family time with your favorite holiday CD playing on the stereo or that special movie on the TV. Seeing your homemade strings adorn your tree is not only satisfying, but looks great, too.
Show Off: Make a slide show of pictures featuring your family and friends over the past year (or several years), add some jazzy holiday tunes (my kids picked "Indian Giver" by The Squirrel Nut Zippers and The Billy Mays Orchestra rendition of "Rudolph") and burn it onto CDs to send out as this year's card and present in one! You can use homemade artwork to adorn the cover, and a child's poem can be the liner notes. Even less expensive, make a scrapbook or slideshow on smilebox.com and email it to loved ones.
Make It Sweet: Instead of buying gifts for all your nieces and nephews, host a cookie decorating party. Have each family provide one thing: cookies, frosting, decorative toppings (sprinkles, red hots, licorice, M&Ms, crushed candy canes), slap some paper on the dining room table, and let the kids go at it! Adults can savor some mulled cider, chilled mimosas, or seasonal wassail while watching the mayhem unfold. Kids love to make a special cookie to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve.
Pay It Forward: The holidays bring lots of chances to give to those less fortunate. If you don't have money to give, your time is an invaluable resource that is needed by homeless shelters, food pantries, and churches across the Wasatch Front. You can even bring it closer to home--invite people you know from work, school, or church who have no one to celebrate the holidays with to share your table. This is the perfect chance to spread a little personalized peace on earth and goodwill to men.
Jingle Bell Rock: Christmas is a time for music. If the Muzak at Target isn't scratching that itch for you, check out one of the many free, local choral performances available. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearses every Thursday evening and rehearsals are open to the public. Doors open at 8:00 pm and last about an hour and a half. Local high schools and jr. highs offer holiday concerts for band, orchestra and voice--check your local school district's website for dates and times. Also look for performances by the Salt Lake Children's Choir, the Utah Baroque Ensemble and check out upcoming events at the Covey Center for the Arts.
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