The holiday season is finally here. They say it's "the most wonderful time of the year," but sometimes, my wallet begs to differ. The holidays can be difficult when you want to spend your money on the perfect presents for friends, yummy seasonal treats, and a new outfit for the office party, but your bank account is screaming out in utter fear. Luckily, if you and your BFF are in the same boat, you can help each other get in the right spirit without straying from your budget. There are plenty of things to do with your best friend when broke this season. You don't need to be rolling in the dough to get a hella awesome holiday bucket list going that'll fulfill all of your festive needs.
You and your BFF may not be able to go HAM, but you'll be rich in holiday spirit. Most things we look forward to doing throughout the season are free (or pretty close to it), like watching our fave holiday classics or getting a good look at all of the Christmas decorations. So, get ready for an awesome holiday season with these eight attainable activities you and your friends can do when you're tight on the funds. We all know it's better to be a Tiny Tim than a Scrooge, anyway.
Round up your squad to take a walk or cruise around the neighborhood to see all of the beautiful Christmas lights. It's the perfect activity to get you in the holiday spirit. Plus, you know it will make you feel so much better admiring light displays that you didn't have to put up or pay an electricity bill for, amiright? Don't forget to make hot chocolate before you head out on your Christmas adventure — it's essential.
You've probably noticed all of your favorite holiday classics making their way onto different streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu. Now is the prime time to invite your girlfriends over for a fun night in, watching these holiday gems (aka Elf and Home Alone). Gather all of the cozy blankets you can find, and get the kettle corn going on the stove.
Get your roomies together in your holiday best to take Christmas card photos you can send out to friends and family. You could even have an awkward family photo sesh in your ugliest Christmas sweaters that'll be sure to make everyone laugh. Don't forget to set up a festive backdrop with your Christmas lights, tinsel, and ornaments.
You and your BFF can buy a cheap package of slice and bake sugar cookie dough, and have a date decorating your cookies. The best part about this activity is definitely eating whatever you make immediately afterwards. Sorry Santa, these cookies aren't for you.
Oh, Christmas tree. Oh, Christmas tree! It just wouldn't be the same without you. Decorate your Christmas tree with super cheap ornaments you can find at your local dollar store. You and your BFF can also DIY decorations from things you probably already have at home, so this bucket list item is actually two in one.
Drinking hot cocoa by the fire when it's cold outside sounds like such a dreamy activity, and just because you're broke AF doesn't mean you can't partake. Get creative making your own recipe with peppermint or even white chocolate. Don't forget the marshmallows!
A white elephant party is the best way to avoid having to get all of your friends individual gifts for the holidays. You can all plan on bringing one gift to the party to exchange. A thrifty idea for a white elephant is also agreeing to bring some cool things from your apartment you don't want anymore that can be regifted.
If you want to give back this holiday season, you and your BFF should volunteer together. This could be doing a canned food drive or assisting with gift wrapping in the mall. Not only will you both feel better about helping out, but you'll be reminded that yes, you're broke AF, but you're rich in friendship.
