How To Create Lasting Memories And Save Money During The Holidays

Bell, CA – Families at Magnolia Science Academy 8 in the City of Bell enjoyed an evening of good old fashion fun recently playing instruments and board games, like cornhole toss and giant connect 4, making arts and crafts, decorating gingerbread houses, and cooking warm desserts like "arroz con leche" (rice pudding). It was all part of the school’s efforts to help families save money during the holidays, at a time when added spending can be stressful.

“During the winter break, many families feel pressured to spend money on activities for their children,” said Laura Schlottman, principal at MSA-8. This can make the holiday season tough for parents. For this reason, we hosted a special “Family Night” event aimed at teaching families how to build lasting memories creatively, without spending more money,” added Schlottman.

According to school officials, the high cost of living and inflation make the holiday season especially difficult for families living in underserved communities. For this reason, the event offered additional resources and support.During the event, each family received a packet filled with free family activities to enjoy such as building a space shuttle, cooking recipes, puzzles and much more. The event also offered a holiday toy distribution for children and essential household supplies like shampoo, toothpaste, female hygiene products and other items.

“We want our families to know that they can have fun without technology and without the need to spend. There’s lots they can do with items they can find in their home, at parks and in their communities,” said Schlottman.

Here’s a list of fun things you can do during the holidays that are free:

Nature Scavenger Hunt: Explore a nearby park and create a scavenger hunt list of items for the kids to find, like pinecones, different types of leaves, or animal tracks.

Indoor Movie Marathon: Have a cozy movie day at home. Create a mini movie marathon with your kids' favorite films, complete with blankets and popcorn.

Crafting Day: Use household items to engage in crafts. You can make holiday decorations, homemade cards, or even simple DIY projects.

Baking Together: Spend time in the kitchen baking cookies or other treats. Let the kids get creative with decorating.

Library Visits: Take a trip to the local library. Many libraries have free story hours or other activities for kids during the holidays.

Board Game Tournament: Have a family board game tournament. Dust off classic games or try out new ones for a fun and competitive day.

Community Events: Check for free community events happening in your area, such as tree lighting ceremonies, parades, or winter festivals.

Outdoor Adventures: If you have snow, take advantage of it by building a snowman, having a snowball fight, or going sledding.

Visit a Local Museum: Some museums offer free admission on certain days. Check local museums for any special holiday promotions.

Reading Challenge: Have a reading challenge where the kids set a goal to read a certain number of books over the break. Create a cozy reading nook at home.

Stargazing Night: On a clear night, bundle up and go stargazing. Identify constellations and enjoy the beauty of the night sky.

Home Science Experiments: Conduct simple and safe science experiments at home using household items. There are many online resources with easy and fun experiments for kids.

Family Photo Day: Have a family photo shoot day. Get creative with props and poses, and capture some memorable moments together.

Volunteer Together: Explore local volunteer opportunities that are family-friendly. This can be a rewarding way to give back to the community.

Storytelling Night: Have a storytelling night where each family member takes turns creating and sharing a story. This can be a great way to encourage creativity.