Budget-Friendly Christmas Bucket List
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but let’s be real—our wallets don’t always feel the same way. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to have an amazing festive season! We’ve rounded up some fun, affordable (and totally Insta-worthy) Christmas activities for you and your besties to enjoy without breaking the bank.
Host a Christmas Movie Marathon
Snuggle up in your comfiest PJs, make a big bowl of popcorn, and rewatch all your festive faves. From Elf to The Holiday, there’s nothing like a feel-good Christmas movie marathon to get you in the holiday spirit. Bonus points for hot chocolate with all the marshmallows!
Go for a Festive Lights Walk
Grab your hat, scarf, and gloves and head out to admire the Christmas lights in your area. Whether it’s the town centre decorations or the neighbour with the OTT house display, it’s a vibe! Bring along a hot drink to keep cosy while you stroll.
DIY Christmas Cards & Gifts
Get creative and make some heartfelt cards or presents for your besties and family. A handmade card or a DIY sugar scrub says thoughtful without screaming “I’m broke.” Plus, it’s a fun way to spend a cosy evening with some Christmas tunes playing in the background.
Bake Festive Treats
Channel your inner Mary Berry and whip up some festive goodies! Gingerbread men, sugar cookies, or chocolate-covered pretzels are easy to make and so delicious. If you’re feeling extra, you could even have a baking competition with your friends!
Plan a Secret Santa Exchange
Set a small budget (like €5 or €10) and swap gifts with your squad. It’s always a laugh to see what quirky or cute presents everyone picks—and it’s way cheaper than buying gifts for everyone individually.
Have a TikTok Christmas Dance-Off
Get your friends together and learn a trending Christmas dance. Not only is it free, but it’s guaranteed to bring the LOLs. Who knows? You might even go viral.
Create a Festive Photoshoot
Get dressed up in your most extra Christmas jumpers, grab some fairy lights or tinsel, and have a DIY photoshoot. You’ll end up with adorable pics to share on Insta, and it’s way more fun than scrolling TikTok all day.
Go Ice Skating
Okay, this one might cost a little (€10-ish), but it’s worth every penny! Ice skating is such a vibe and makes for the ultimate festive activity. Don’t forget to take some pics with all the fairy lights around the rink!
Build a Christmas Playlist
Gather your favourite Christmas bops and make the ultimate festive playlist. From Mariah to Michael Bublé, you’ll have all the tunes to keep the festive vibes going while you wrap presents or bake cookies.
Write a Letter to Your Future Self
Take a quiet moment to reflect on 2024 and write yourself a letter about your goals, dreams, and what you’re grateful for this year. It’s a free and thoughtful way to wrap up the year on a positive note.
This Christmas, it’s all about the memories—not the money. So grab your friends, get creative, and make this festive season one to remember!
What’s on your Christmas bucket list? Let us know in the comments or tag us on Insta @Missy.ie!