Top 10 Free Holiday Activities to Balance the Stress

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I am a Scrooge.

When Christmas comes around I have to admit I get stressed out. The gift-giving, decorating, holiday parties, obligations, and over commercialization of Christmas makes me think “bah humbug!” and I could do without. I’m sure that has to do with my upbringing.

My parents were Sicilian immigrants and didn’t 'do’ Christmas the way American’s do. We didn’t always have a tree and we never had presents unless our aunts/uncles brought us something. Santa didn’t come to our house—because as my dad would say—we didn’t have a fireplace.

There are a lot of reasons you may get stressed—or depressed—during the holidays.

  • You may not have money to buy gifts for your kids.

  • You’re alone.

  • You’re traveling.

  • You’re missing loved ones.

  • You’ve recently lost a job.

  • You’re working too much.

  • You’re suffering an illness.

  • You’re just plain exhausted!

  • and so much more…

But I actually LOVE the holidays!

There were things from my childhood that I remember were fun times at Christmastime.

  • On Christmas day the firetrucks would drive down my street with their sirens on and throw bubblegum out to the streets for all the kids to come out and get their share.

  • My parents had a silver Christmas tree in our storage room and when they wouldn’t put one up in our living room, my brother and I would set it up in our bedroom and decorate it with paper ornaments.

  • Listening to holiday music on the radio and dancing with my siblings.

  • Watching all the holiday specials on TV.

  • Baking holiday cookies with my mom.

What I remembered enjoying the most about the holidays were activities based on love.

Holiday of Love

A week ago as December 1st came, my usual stress started to creep in and for the last week I’ve been depressed thinking about the holidays. Today I asked God in prayer to help me see things in a new light and my prayers were answered. I’ve renamed this season my “Holiday of Love”.

I reminded myself of all the things I love about the holidays that don’t stress me out and put together that list for you. These activities can be enjoyed regardless of your religious or holiday traditions. They are not specific to Christmas as so many other holidays are celebrated this time of year!

And definitely Not-just-for-kids - Yes, you can do these with your family, friends or even strangers who may be alone this time of year.

Ten Free - and Relaxing - Holiday Activities to Balance the Stress

  1. Drive around to see the Holiday Lights. When my kids were little I’d load the kids, my mom and our dog into the car and drive around for hours looking at Christmas and Hanukkah lights and listening to Holiday music. My kids are grown but my husband and I still enjoy driving around for hours looking for the best holiday lights and sometimes we even bring along our four dogs with us!

  2. Take a walk around your city with your kids or family. There’s nothing better than walking with your kids as they drink a cup of hot cocoa while watching all the holiday action. This time of year the streets are busy with the hustle and bustle of the holiday festivities and there’s always fun things to see such as window displays, pop up ice skating rinks and holiday carolers.

  3. Walk the Mall. Walking the mall can actually be a relaxing experience during the holidays. Just leave your wallet at home! Take the kids, go alone or bring a friend, your partner or spouse. Don’t go into each of the stores, but just a few laps around the mall and you get the rush of the action, while taking a step back just observing. Just like the city you’ll get to see the mall displays, hear the holiday music, see carolers and maybe even Santa. It’s a time for enjoying good company, conversations and you’ll feel great when you leave knowing you didn’t spend any money!

  4. Free Santa Photo. Getting Santa photos can mean waiting on long lines and spending money you may not have. Remember, with Santa photos, your kids might even be too scared to go sit on his lap anyhow so why not make a game of it? Snap a photo from Santa far away and let your kids know how special it was to see him while he took a quick visit to your hometown. Then, over the next few weeks, show the photo to your kids and talk about the memory with them! If your kids want to meet him personally, here are some great places to get free Santa Photos with your children using your own cell phone.

    • Ikea

    • Arc Thriftshops

    • Kohls

    • Bass Pro Shops - Bass Pro Shops will give you a professional 4x6 photo for free.

    • Cabela’s Sporting Goods

    • Most local Nursery & Garden shops

    • Your local recreation center

    • Better yet, if you know someone with a Santa costume, have them make a personal visit to your home!

  5. Have a holiday decorating evening at home. Instead of your regular evening routine, have a holiday evening before the holiday! Play your favorite holiday music and make special hot cocoa or holiday drinks for the kids. Have them go on a treasure hunt around the house looking for items to make holiday crafts to decorate your home. Watch your kids creativity shine! And they will be so proud to have their masterpieces displayed, and you can add them to your holiday collections for next year.

  6. Have a holiday dance-off night. Leave the television and video games off and spend the night playing holiday music, coming up with dance routines and having a dance-off.

  7. Have a holiday baking night. Invite some friends over and share in a holiday baking night. Have each of them go through their cupboards and bring over some of the ingredients. Baking holiday cookies is fun, but doing it with your family and friends is even more enjoyable! Here’s a great pumpkin recipe (no pun intended!) from our Everyday Being Circle Partner Cornerstone Health Community - Paleo Pumpkin Muffins.

  8. Have a family slumber party and watch holiday movies. Set up blankets and pillows on the floor, dim the lights and have a slumber party with the family watching holiday movies all night. Enjoy the delicious baked goods you made the night before!

  9. Check your local library. This time of year your library may host free holiday read-a-longs, concerts, or crafting events for both adults and kids.

  10. Have a holiday closet clean out and donate if you are able. If you are able to donate, make a night of it. Play holiday music while roaming through your house looking for gently used items to give away. Or maybe even some of the crafts your family made or the cookies you baked! Whether it’s to the family next door or a larger organization in need, this time of year your donation could make someone’s holiday that much more special.

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Make this your “Holiday of Love” and you can get through this year’s holiday stress-free!

Know that you are being looked after and loved by your family, friends and your Higher Power!

Remember, if the stress is overwhelming, please be sure to reach out to someone for help, there is always someone ready to lend you a hand and support you through this time.

Check out our Resources page for more information.

Leaving you with a fun holiday song!

“Merry Christmas Baby” by Stevie Wonder and Wyclef Jean

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