Q: I want my kids to have those warm, cozy memories of family traditions, but it always feels that money is tight. I already feel guilty that my children’s Christmas Tree is not full of presents like some of their friends. – Sarah W.
A: Creating family traditions doesn’t need to be pricey, Sarah! Weekly movie nights with homemade popcorn, DIY holiday crafts, or even a Friday night family pizza-making ritual can be special and inexpensive. Local parks or nature spots are also fantastic for free family outings. The magic is in doing something regularly, with love and laughter. So, keep it simple—it’s the memories that last, not the cost. Kids don’t remember how much you spent, they’ll remember you put your phone down and gave them some UNdivided attention.
Here are some free ideas I have:
- Choosing one evening a week that you go to the library together and choose themed books.
- Home Depot has great Kids Clubs that are free and you can go as a family
- Before bed tell your child one positive thing you noticed that they did or said.
- On the weekend take a walk and play I Spy.
- Have a dance party before bed!
You don’t need to have extravagance. Many moms who struggled, say as their kids grew older these family traditions are the ones their children remembered. Not the lack of extra consumerist junk.
You got this!
