Christmas and tradition go together like holly and ivy - a perfect pairing and as synonymous with the season as twinkling lights and decorating the tree. Starting new traditions can seem daunting at first - there’s an element of pressure to carry them forward year after year, and the expectation of spending out, too.
Our take? Take the pressure off. Traditions don’t need to be expensive or cause stress - there’s enough expense around this time of year without heaping more on. Low cost and free traditions to start with your baby or young family can be simple, easy and free - here are our top five to get you started.
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Take a festive photo in the same place every year
It could be at home by the tree - perhaps hanging a bauble or just a sweet family snap of you all sitting or standing by a freshly decorated tree. Or it could be somewhere local to you with amazing annual decorations. If you love to place a wreath on your door, you could try a Christmas photo by the door. Whatever feels most festive to you and feels easy, achievable and simple, make your festive tradition - an easy and free one to keep going. For a low cost option in making the most of your Christmas photos, why not have a copy printed for an album - or have the photos made into Christmas and/or Thank You cards?
https://uk.pinterest.com/flicm1y/christmas-family-photo-ideas/
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Go for a winter walk, near or far
Another festive tradition that is about as low-key as it gets, a winter walk is fun, easy and has the added benefit of being good for you, too. Winter walks don’t have to be scenic countryside routes, if walking boots aren’t your thing. Walks around your local area or somewhere picturesque nearby can be just as rejuvenating and special. Taking time to appreciate the changing seasons and the beauty of winter can help to reset when the Christmas season gets busy - and time outdoors will give you that much-needed vitamin D boost, too. If you’re heading out with baby in tow this year, be sure to wrap up extra warm!
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Go and see a local Christmas light display
‘Tis the season to be jolly, merry and bright - and there are plenty of beautiful Christmas lights and festive displays to explore. Whether it’s a street near you that goes all out, or perhaps a Christmas light switch on in your nearest town, seeing the twinkling lights never gets old - and it’s the perfect way to get the whole family in the festive mood. Babies and young children will love taking in the bright colours and fun displays year after year - and best of all, it’s a totally free activity for the whole family to enjoy.
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Cheap or free Christmas crafts
Some Christmas crafts can be expensive, but there are plenty of ideas that are low or no cost options using freely available resources (or common items you’ll likely have around the house). Pinecones, pipe cleaners, string and paper can all be turned into fun decorations for the home (see our Pinterest ideas here). Paperchains are a fun and inexpensive way to decorate (and eco-friendly too) - simply cut old paper into strips and fix with glue or sellotape to make a chain. Old magazines and newspapers are useful for this - you can even use old sheet music or old maps for different themes every year. Baby will love the sensory experience of playing with different objects - just make sure they’re supervised!
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An annual Christmas movie marathon
With free streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, Freeview and My5, you don’t need to sign up and pay out to enjoy festive films over the Christmas period. A fun and free family activity to enjoy every year, a Christmas movie marathon is the perfect way to indulge in all the festive feels. Snuggling up on the sofa under a blanket is the ideal shortcut to comfort and joy - with the added bonus of costing nothing at all. For babies and young children, keep to short films to avoid overstimulation (we like Stick Man and Tabby McTat on BBC iPlayer, and Raymond Brigg’s The Snowman, The Snowman and the Snowdog and Father Christmas on Channel 4, all of which are around 25 minutes long).
A few other low cost or free Christmas traditions:
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Write a letter to Santa
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Make salt dough ornaments
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Christmas games night - think charades or even a Christmas quiz
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Make DIY Christmas cards
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Walk around a local Christmas market with a warm drink
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Volunteer for a good cause
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Read Christmas books - keep it free by borrowing from your local library
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Decorate the tree and house together
Feeling inspired?
Don’t forget to tag us in your Christmas traditions - we love seeing what you and your family get up to during this special time of year. Find us @my1styears on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest.