This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of SunTrust. The opinions and text are all mine.
The holiday season is a big deal around here. Our main focus is spending time together, giving back to others, and creating new memories. It wasn’t always this way, and it wasn’t uncommon for us to spend more than we could afford. Things are very different today, so I want to share some of my family’s favorite holiday activities that don’t focus on spending. Giving the gift of presence this season is more important to us than acquiring stuff we don’t need.
Creating Memories this Holiday Season
Check out the neighborhood light displays
My kids look forward to this every single year. We grab a few treats for the car ride, turn on our favorite Christmas radio station, and drive around the neighborhood. My kids enjoy spotting the holiday light displays, and checking out a musical light show that a local neighbor puts together each year. This activity doesn’t cost a thing, and our entire family enjoys it.
Watch holiday movies
Many TV networks will show holiday movies from now through the month of December. In our home we like to make family movie night a fun affair, complete with hot cocoa and popcorn. During the holidays it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season, but it’s very important to make time to connect with your family. This is just one way to enjoy each other’s company without spending any money.
Connect over hot cocoa
Hot chocolate is our drink of choice during the cold winter months. We like to add some of our favorite toppings which includes whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks. Hot cocoa is a festive and inexpensive treat that the entire family can enjoy together. We like to gather by our Christmas tree and read books, tell stories, or simply enjoy holiday music.
Make holiday treats (and share!)
During the holiday season, I’m always whipping up treats in the kitchen and recreating my favorite childhood recipes. This is also a great way to spend time with my kids and share recipes that they can pass on to their own children someday. A fun way to give back is to share your holiday treats with your neighbors and friends.
Give back
There are many ways your family can give back during the holiday season. A great way to do this is by signing up to volunteer at a local soup kitchen or family shelter. We also like donate toys to a local charity or participate in Operation Christmas Child. I want my kids to know that it’s better to give than to receive, especially during the holidays.
This holiday season, Rethink Holiday Generosity by focusing on what truly matters. For more tips on how to stay on budget this season, check out this free budget worksheet and the SunTrust onUp Holiday guide.
At SunTrust Bank their purpose is lighting the way to financial well-being. When you feel confident about your money, you can save for your goals and spend knowingly on what matters most to you.
The onUp movement was created to guide millions of people one step at a time towards a more financially confident life without ever losing sight of the moments that matter along the way.
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