Financial constraints are usually among the biggest challenge after retirement, even though planning holidays after retiring from work becomes easier in terms of time flexibility. Unfortunately, thinking of planning parties, visiting your loved ones who live in distant localities or buying gifts for them can feel like you have to go out-of-the-way when budget is strict in terms of finances.
However, the good news is that there are plenty of ways through which you can plan your holidays even with a limited budget, and create special moments for yourself and your family by setting straight some priorities.
Translate Your Memories Into Precious Gifts
The holidays are all about giving and receiving something precious, and that should not be limited to expensive things. You might be collecting some ornaments during your travels, or simply taking pictures of memorable events during those travels.
It is time to pass on those precious memorabilia to your next generation. You can wrap up objects which are small in size, ornaments or souvenirs that you might have saved in the past for your loved ones, and also attach a note with a brief history of the item.
You can also make albums of the photographs that you took of your family and loved ones and arrange them in chronological order of events as they took place. There are many online services that offer compilation of photos in gorgeous albums. You can use services like Shutterfly or Snapfish for this purpose.
These websites also offer different discounts during holiday seasons, through which you can probably save yourself a few bucks by securing a deal during the holiday season.
Make A Record Of Your Recipes
Next time you are about to cook the family’s favorite traditional pie, curry, or any other recipe that has been unique to your family, make sure you record it into a video tape. Everyone loves to follow little details essential for making those delicious and favorite family desserts or recipes during holidays or special occasions.
Make sure you pass on any secret ingredients which you incorporate within such recipes by mentioning all the little details necessary for making it. This could be a little gift from your side and a great way to pass on family traditions.
Another great way to pass on this tradition is to compile these recipes in some form of a cookbook. You can arrange recipes according to their type and can also attach pictures of the final dish out.
Multiple copies of this cookbook can be distributed to your children or grandchildren, whoever needs expert opinion on the family’s traditional recipes. It’s a timeless gift!
Gift Your Time
Another budget friendly idea to make these holidays the absolute best for yourself and others is to spend your time in helping others. If your children or grandchildren live nearby, you can give them time by babysitting their child or simply visit their place and help them out in organizing any event or upcoming party.
You could also take part in any community service program during the holiday season and also volunteer your time and service in some community project.
Check What Your Storage Has To Offer
You might have leftover decoration boxes or crafts supply from your previous holidays. You can go through those boxes and make use of them in your next holidays. Pine cones from your garden can serve as centerpieces to your decorations. Wreaths used in previous holidays can be revamped through different ideas found on Pinterest.
Instead of spending huge amounts in new decorations, go through the leftover craft supplies and together with your loved ones you can create memorable decors for your home. This will not only give you a chance to spend quality time with your children but also new decoration ideas would be discovered and explored this way.
Look For Free Entertainment Sources
Another fun and budget friendly way to spend your holidays is by looking at what the community is offering you free of cost. There can be free concerts arranged by community centers which you can attend. You can also make listings of new programs soon to be casted on Netflix or any of your favorite channels on Youtube.
Watching quality movies and programs along with your favorite snacks is a great way of spending quality time with your loved ones. Many online libraries offer huge discounts on movies during the holiday season. You can gather your favorite movies by availing discounts and also invite your relatives over for a movie marathon.