10 Fun Things to do This Winter (Without Breaking the Bank)

Hi everyone! I hope you are all having an amazing holiday season so far! We are fast approaching our busiest time of the year and I couldn't be happier. As I mentioned in my last blog post, we are really cutting down on gifts this year and it is only allowing us to enjoy the season more! Instead of stressing about what to get, rushing through the stores trying to get all the gifts on your list, and then worrying about how much you've spent we are officially finished with shopping, completely comfortable with our budget, and really focusing on the enjoying the season. I will admit, I have been tempted by super cute coffee mugs and gifts that would be just perfect for some of our friends but overall - I am thrilled with the current holiday pace.

As I mentioned, this is typically the month we wind up stretching our budgets a bit further than we'd like. Because of this, I like to focus on those winter activities that are either low-cost or, better yet, free! It can take some creativity, but there are tons of things you can do without breaking the bank.

Here's a few of my favorites:
1. Make something.
Whether you are a master knitter or just learning how to paint, creating something is a fun and almost free activity.

2. Have a movie night.
Some nights when its 30 degrees outside (or even colder) all you want to do is bundle up and get cozy. Grab some blankets, pillows, and popcorn and you'll find yourself wondering why you'd ever pay $13 for a theater movie again.

3. Take a evening stroll through town. 
This time of year, streets are lit up and beautifully decorated. Pour some cocoa into a thermos and take in the sights. And you'll get the added bonus of people watching, which is always a perk.

4. Scope out your town's best Christmas light displays.
Chances are, a quick Google of your town and you'll find the neighborhoods that are best known for their Christmas lights. Bring some cocoa, tune into a Christmas themed radio station, and enjoy the ride.

5. Visit the snow.
We live in California, so if we want snow, we've got to take a trip to the mountains. A short 3 hour drive through and we're transported into a winter wonder land.

6. Make some cinnamon dough ornaments.
Chances are, you already have all the ingredients you need to make these cure cinnamon dough ornaments from Gooseberry Patch.

Image found at Gooseberry Patch

7. Bake cookies.
Is it really the holidays without baking? Grab some ingredients from the store and whip up a few new recipes.

8. Search for mistletoe.
Have you ever seen real, live mistletoe? Its pretty easy to recognize once you know what you are looking for. I remember collecting it as a kid, tying a ribbon on it and trying to sell it to neighbors and family friends. It's like a fun, free scavenger hunt.

9. Clean out your closet.
Whittle down your wardrobe with an impromptu fashion show. Pick a few outfits you haven't worn in forever and try them on. Like them? Great! You've got yourself a like-new outfit. Find yourself wondering why you ever bought it in the first place? Donate those items to a local Good Will. Not only will your closet look great with some extra space, but you'll help make someone else's life a little bit brighter.

10. Have a DIY Spa Day.
I'm a sucker for a good bubble bath. Add a face mask, some relaxing music and a scented candle and you'll feel pampered and de-stressed.

What are some of your favorite free things to do? I'd love to hear about them!