It’s hard to believe, but the holiday season is upon us. In just a little over a week, people will begin taking time off from work to spend it with friends and family. It’s the time of the year to enjoy yourself and those around you.

There is a myth that you need to spend lots of money to have fun. This false expectation is especially the case when it comes to the holidays. The good news is that there are plenty of frugal options to bring a little bit more joy into the season.

Here are some awesome, low-cost activities and gift ideas that you can enjoy:

White Elephant Gift Exchange: If you have a large family or group of friends who like to exchange gifts, consider doing a White Elephant exchange. As a group, set a reasonable price limit that allows everyone involved to get a gift without the obligation to spend more; it’s super easy and fun.
Judge Christmas Lights: Who doesn’t enjoy looking at Christmas lights? Add a twist to this by going to different areas around you, and picking a winner while viewing the lights. As a family, you can select different categories and judge the displays, for fun of course.
Make Your Ornament: If your community has craft fairs, you can get some ornament ideas just by attending. Then, go to a craft store to get the supplies you need. If you’re crafty, this can be a nice way to create something nice yourself without spending as much.
Host a Cook-off: Parties and get-togethers are popular this time of the year. Add a fun little spin by hosting a cook-off. The competition can be on anything you want: best soup, best chili, best apple cider and so on.

The holidays can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean they have to be. With a little creativity, you can enjoy time together with friends and family without breaking the bank.