The holiday season is upon us, and I have one question for you. What is your level of holiday cheer? Some people put up their Christmas décor before Halloween and others wait until the week before Christmas. Most people are somewhere in the middle. With the holiday season here right now, you might be wondering how you can build holiday cheer within your household—other than decorating, of course. Here at Mom’s Tribute—a top blog for busy moms with kids—we can give you a few great ideas!

No matter what kind of budget you have in mind, there is something fun you can do with your kids this holiday season. Here are a few ideas from high to mid to low budget.

$$$ - Let Them Go Shopping

On the high end of the budget spectrum, you can take your kids out Christmas shopping. Let them buy for their family, friends, teachers, and anyone else they might be feeling generous toward. Specialty shops like Buff City Soap, which is a national chain of bath, body, and laundry products, are great for kids and teens alike. Customers get to choose from dozens of scents and product combos. They can even customize scents in certain situations.

Products like those sold at Buff City Soap are great for teacher gifts as well as for family and friends. If you’re thinking small kids won’t like this place, you’d likely be wrong! I’d call this a fantastic kid friendly venue, as my six-year-old son begs to go there regularly. The colorful displays, great products, and fantastic scents are a big hit with kids both big and small.

Another super cool feature offered by Buff City Soap is the ability to book an event. Hosting a private soap-making Christmas event is sure to be a big hit with your kids, friends, and family!

If you’d still like to go shopping but you’d rather keep things on the low budget end, don’t rule out spots like Dollar Tree. My kids add a half dozen items to their Christmas list every time we visit. This spot can be especially perfect when you’re buying Christmas decorations for your kids’ rooms! It can also be a great spot to let your kids pick out gifts for friends, family, and teachers. Some of our favorite items to buy include:

• Fluffy socks
• Bath and body products
• Car accessories and cleaning products
• Stationary products
• Small toys like rubber balls, slime, playdough, and arts & crafts

$$ - Go On an Outing

What about taking your kids to a Christmas play or performance? Many high schools and junior production companies put on performances of classic hits like The Nutcracker or A Christmas Story every holiday season. Getting tickets to these performances is often simple and inexpensive, and your kids are almost sure to love it.

Another option is an event such as ICE at the Gaylord Hotels. This annual event takes place at various Gaylord Hotels around the country including in Tennessee, Texas, Florida, and more. For 2023, it features The Polar Express. The event begins on November 10, 2023, and it runs throughout November and December. Ticket prices range from $16-38.

We took our little ones a few years back. Ice sculptures, ice slides, light shows, and gift shops filled our afternoon with entertainment and Christmas cheer, and this year they’re offering even more fun. The lineup includes bumper cars, ice tubing, ice skating, and gingerbread decorating. This is one of the best places to visit for families, and I’d definitely rank it as a top kid friendly venue.

$ - Bake Cookies and Catch a Movie

On the most budget-friendly end of the spectrum, you can plan an evening at home filled with holiday fun. Bake cookies, pop popcorn, and make hot cocoa then curl up on the couch for a holiday movie marathon.

Small kids love cuddling on the couch with their family. Introducing them to tried-and-true holiday films can help create positive holiday memories. No-bake cookies are my kids’ favorite cookies to make, but you can go with sugar cookies, brownies, storebought treats, or something entirely different. Your hot cocoa can be homemade or prepackaged. Do whatever works for you and your family!

If you’re looking for the best time management tips for the busy holiday season, then I have a great one for you! Download the free kid friendly venue app! This handy tool lets you search for the best kid friendly venues in your own area. Venues are ranked by other busy moms like you, so you can see exactly the types of places that are a good fit for your needs.

Ultimately, the best option is the one what fits your personality and budget. Great holiday memories can be made, even if you aren’t planning to spend a lot of money. Take the initiative to create those lasting memories this holiday season. I can say with confidence that you’ll be glad you did!

By Katie C