Christmas Day is almost here. I think there are still several things that each of us need to do as we celebrate the Christmas holiday. If you’re like me, the shopping is done and now it’s time to just sit back and enjoy family and friends. Here are 7 things to do before Christmas – The best part about these things is that they don’t cost an extra penny.

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7 Things to Do Before Christmas

Don’t try to do it all.

There are some people who thrive on the Christmas baking and candy creations. Let them enjoy it! But if it’s not your thing, then don’t put yourself under pressure to do all the cookie exchanges or homemade candy gifts. Baking can be expensive, so if it’s not comfortable for you to spend hours in the kitchen, then don’t. Maybe you can find 1 or 2 recipes that you can enjoy making with the family and then don’t worry about the rest.

Skip the Guilt.

Whether you are feeling bad because you couldn’t find the perfect present for your teen or that you can’t drive to see particular family members over the holidays- just skip the guilt and focus on what you can do. If you can give a gift with love, then you’ve scored. Whether you can live up to everyone’s expectations and be where they want you to be or not, just do what you can and then enjoy the moments.

Stop when you are done.

Some people keep thinking about something else that would make the season more special for others. They end up overspending and find themselves paying for the last minute gifts for many months in the New Year. If you haven’t bought it by now, you can probably enjoy a very happy holiday without the extra gifts.

Do something for others.

In the busy schedules that we all put ourselves under, take the time to do something for others. Sometimes we really want to share the joy of the season with others but it gets too complicated. This is a perfect way to spend just a few minutes and make a difference in the community around us.

Share a Card.

Do you have extra Christmas cards sitting in your Christmas decoration box? Maybe you bought them after the season last year and then forgot to mail them this month. Don’t let them go to waste. Take a minute to sign them and then give them to the support staff at your school, work or place of business. Receiving a card personally signed is a special gift because it shows that someone thought of you at Christmas.

Look through Christmas Pictures.

I have a scrapbook filled with pictures from the last 20 years of our Christmas seasons. It is always fun to look back and remember where we have been and how we spent our holidays over the years. This takes no money and is a great time of memories with the family.

Enjoy the Lights.

Sometimes we all hop in the van with some hot chocolate or chocolate milk and just ride around to enjoy the lights of the neighborhoods. Take a trip to a light show and celebrate. You can turn on Christmas carols on the radio and enjoy time together.

What are some things you plan to do this week? I’d love to hear your traditions and plans to make memories with the ones you love! Read more about Christmas Eve Traditions here