WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderTen ways to create meaningful (and frugal) holiday traditions

Ten ways to create meaningful (and frugal) holiday traditions

By Andrew Housser

This year, holiday budgets might be tighter than they were a few years ago, but the recent economic recession has had the good outcome of encouraging Americans to appreciate what they have. There is no time like the holidays to establish traditions that carry that message into the New Year. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about how to have a meaningful holiday, without a big impact on the budget:

1. Have a card-signing party

In lieu of gifts to friends, gather to sign and stuff holiday cards together. Ask each attendee to bring cookies or an appetizer. You provide drinks, tables to write on, and plenty of pens. The fun will provide more memories than individual gifts -- at far less cost.

2. Slip and slide in the snow

Host a kids' afternoon that will freeze memories in time and wear out little bodies (a gift to parents, too!). Make a snowman, a snow fort, have a snowball fight or go sledding. Live in a warm-weather climate? Try a trip to the beach or a nearby hike. Afterwards, invite everyone in for hot cocoa.

3. Tell a story

A few weeks before the holidays, ask everyone who will attend your celebration to think of a story to tell about their lives. You might offer a theme, such as "when I was eight" or "my best pet." Ask everyone to tell their story as dramatically as possible, even bringing props or acting out the tale. Each person will learn something new about someone, and kids of all ages will enjoy the festivities.

4. Give by giving

Ask your family to think of activities you can do all through the holiday season, rather than just purchasing a gift. The gift of time and caring can mean much more than a present -- for giver and recipient. Shovel snow for an elderly neighbor, give to a local or global charity, send a card to a service member or get a group together to surprise neighbors with an old-fashioned caroling party.

5. Talk about tradition

Research the history of Santa Claus, find out about the gift-giving tradition your ancestors followed, or read about different ways to celebrate Chanukah. Or talk with your spouse and children about traditions you followed as a child, and why you celebrate the way you do now. Putting tradition back into your holidays will be more heart-warming than a pile of presents.

6. Make a paper chain to count down to the holidays

A child can remove a link every day to mark the move toward the holidays. Besides being fun, this keeps kids from asking parents daily how much longer they must wait.

7. Mark the holiday specials on your calendar

Check TV listings or Web sites of your local stations to find out when they will air holiday specials. Settle in with popcorn, cookies and cocoa to get into the festive spirit, for free.

8. Have a holiday movie marathon

Visit your library, the dollar store, or discount store for copies of favorite holiday movies. Watch with your family or invite friends over. Make popcorn or popcorn balls, and then munch while you watch.

9. Make a video for far-away family

Dust off the video camera and put together a holiday message for relatives far from home. Have each family member tell their best moments of the year, sing carols, tell jokes or whatever will best send your wishes to loved ones.

10. Play games or do puzzles

For families with children out of school for winter break, or people in areas likely to have a snow day or two, one benefit of the holidays is that once the festivities die down, it's a time for rest and quiet relaxation together. Take advantage of this time by setting up a puzzle table where family members can finish puzzles over days or weeks, or find a few games that everyone can play together.

However you celebrate, remember that the holidays are about caring and togetherness. Make all of your traditions celebrate those you love, and you will have a happy and meaningful holiday - no matter what the budget.