| This winter, many parents want to make the | | | | cooking the foods a family event. Try to get the |
| holidays special for their children but face a limited | | | | entire family involved assigning tasks that each |
| or reduced income. So what can a parent do to | | | | family member can do. There are also the |
| still make the holidays a wonderful time without | | | | traditional snacks for Santa that you will leave for |
| having to spend beyond their means? One way is | | | | him when he comes to visit such as milk and |
| to look for more activities to do together as a | | | | cookies. You can even have the kids decorate |
| family. This can not only cut on the cost of | | | | them. |
| presents but allow the family to enjoy precious | | | | A great activity to do is have a family game |
| family time. In this day and age it seems too | | | | night. One of things that often happens during the |
| often that we have thought we could purchase | | | | year is that families are often kept apart by |
| Christmas cheer. However it comes from sharing | | | | school, work, and after school activities. This |
| good times with loved ones. Here are some | | | | makes it rare to just have a time when |
| simple and affordable activities you can do | | | | everyone comes together to have fun. A game |
| together as a family. | | | | night is great because most likely your family has |
| Decorating the tree is a common family activity | | | | a couple of board games that it hasn't played in a |
| at Christmas time. However many people tend to | | | | while. This already cuts down on the cost of |
| buy new ornaments every years. A good thing to | | | | entertainment. Even if you have to buy a game |
| do this year is make your ornaments. With a bit | | | | the cost should be within your budget. |
| of practice and know how your family can make | | | | Purchase a gift the entire family can use. If you |
| homemade creations that not only look great but | | | | are still thinking about spending serious money, but |
| are also inexpensive to make. This is also a great | | | | want to get maximum value, buying something |
| opportunity for your family to spend quality time | | | | the entire family can use is a wise investment. It |
| and make some great holiday memories. Also | | | | can be a trampoline or a Foosball table. Whatever |
| ornaments can become family heirlooms with | | | | item it is, if picked carefully it can actually help you |
| important memories linked to significant events. | | | | save money. The total cost of buying that one |
| This will make your ornaments all the more | | | | item will likely be less than buying everyone the |
| special. | | | | same amount of presents as last year. |
| Making holiday snacks is another cost effective | | | | Finally you can do something special for your |
| and fun tradition. Rather than buying a lot of the | | | | younger children helping them to believe in Santa. |
| traditional holiday treats this year, you can try | | | | You can have them receive a Santa Letter on |
| making them. It can be something as simple as | | | | Christmas Day. The letter will have information on |
| making smores and hot cocoa to making more | | | | what they wanted for Christmas and how good |
| famous holiday desserts and foods. The challenge | | | | they were this year. |
| of learning and mastering each dish will make | | | | |