Let’s face it, the holidays are expensive! You’re buying gifts, decorations, wrapping paper, bows, cards – all on top of your normal monthly spending. Knowing that you’re focused on fixing your budget, becoming debt free and experiencing financial peace, you might be interested in a few ways to get into the holiday spirit without busting your budget.  Here are 15 great ideas for some free (or almost free) holiday fun for the whole family.

1. Bake and decorate cookies: Break out your cookie cutters, mix up some sugar cookie dough, and frosting and a few sprinkles and you’re good to go!
2. Attend a Christmas parade: Almost all big cities have a Christmas parade. Lights, floats, music…oh my!
3. Walk around downtown and admire the decorations: Most cities decorate a huge Christmas tree and go all out with decorations. You may even bump into some carolers.
4. Take your kids to the mall to sit on Santa’s lap. (Note that I did not say “Go do some extra shopping.”)
5. Go Christmas caroling with friends: have some fun and spread some holiday cheer.
6. Have a Christmas movie marathon: Put on your PJ’s, mix up some hot cocoa and bring on the movies – Charlie Brown, The Grinch, A Christmas Story… watch ‘em all!
7. Drive around your neighborhood to look at Christmas lights! – I’m sure some of your neighbors have done a fine job.
8. Extend #7 to find *the* Christmas light neighborhood in your area! (You know, the area where all the neighbors try to outdo each other.)
9. Create homemade Christmas ornaments: Family Dollar® and other dollar stores are a good place for inexpensive supplies.
10. Grab a sled, find a hill and do some sledding. Or, improvise with a trash can lid if you don’t have a sled.
11. Visit the library: Many libraries have special holiday book readings, check for times!
12. Have your kids make special name tags for all the Christmas presents: All you need is some construction paper, markers, glitter, etc…
13. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen: You’ll gain an incredible sense of fulfillment from serving those who are less fortunate.
14. Write Thank You letters to Santa and make him cookies: I’m sure ol’ St. Nick will appreciate the gesture.
15. Have your kids create homemade Christmas cards for friends and relatives: It’s a fun activity and the cards will mean much more than anything you can buy at a store.
16. Build and decorate a gingerbread house – You can buy a kit or look up recipes and instructions online.

What are some great free (or almost free) things do you love to do with your family for the holidays? Share your ideas in the comments below.

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Clint and Katy Davis are PerkStreet Customer Columnists and founders of Davis Coaching. As financial coaches, their passion is helping people become and stay debt free! Their personalized coaching is designed to help you get your financial life where you want it to be. Like personal trainers for your finances, they can help you develop a specific plan to achieve your goals, and provide the expertise and accountability to get you there. If you’re ready to take control of your financial life, visit Davis Coaching online, check out the Davis Coaching blog, and connect with Clint and Katy on Twitter and Facebook.