I\u2019m heading into this holiday season on the budget of all budgets, and it\u2019s not easy. There\u2019s so much to do during the holidays, especially in New York, and, it\u2019s tough when you see parents taking their kids somewhere enthralling every week of December when you can barely afford to snap a photo with a mall Santa.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re on an extremely tight budget this year, try not to lose hope. You don\u2019t have to channel your inner Scrooge just yet. Here are some things you can do to enjoy the holiday season with your family \u2013 without breaking the bank.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Holiday lights.\u00a0Is it just me, or have the neighbors really stepped up their outdoor holiday game in the past few years? I blame social media, since these displays aren\u2019t always just for the eyes of passers-by. Whatever the reason, sometimes a stroll or a drive through your neighborhood is all you need to bump up the holiday spirit. Skip the expensive cocoa at Starbucks and make your own at home to sip while you enjoy the sparkling lights in your area.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Volunteer. With so much focus on gifts and consumerism, it\u2019s easy to forget what the holiday season is truly about. There\u2019s no better time to stress the importance of being grateful for what you have, and to take the opportunity to help those in need.\u00a0Volunteering your time<\/a>\u00a0or even purchasing a small toy to\u00a0donate<\/a>, if you can, is perhaps the best way to get your family into the true spirit of the season.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Free events.\u00a0You might be pleasantly surprised to find a lot of holiday events are free of charge. Be sure to check\u00a0our calendar<\/a>\u00a0for things to do every day, where we list tons of free or low-cost events. Many neighborhoods hold annual tree and menorah lighting events, and some even take it a step further with parades or strolls. In my neighborhood, the local volunteer fire department drives through the streets with Santa onboard to delight the children every year on a Saturday before Christmas. Go to our homepage at\u00a0newyorkfamily.com<\/a>\u00a0to stay up-to-date on all the holiday happenings this season.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n