While I definitely don’t look forward to winter, I will say that the holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year for so many reasons. One of those reasons is that I get just under two weeks of paid time off between Christmas and the New Year. I’m very fortunate to have this luxury, and I plan on taking full advantage of having absolutely NOTHING to do. With all of this time on my hands, I worry about getting bored, because boredom can occasionally lead to a little unnecessary spending. To avoid that, I’ve compiled a list of things to occupy my time around the house for very little or no money! Do any of these things sound appealing to you?
1. Clean. This one might not be the most fun, but let’s be honest… it needs to happen. I like to spend a little time in each room doing a deep clean, things I don’t usually do on a semi weekly basis (think dusty baseboards behind your bed or dirty ceiling fan blades). Turning on some music makes it a little more enjoyable! Think of it as getting a head start on your spring cleaning.
2. Catch up on your favorite TV shows. I’ll admit it – I’m a total TV junkie! It’s my favorite way to unwind after a long day at work, mostly because it’s mindless and I can pay attention to someone else’s fictional problems instead of my own for a while. I’ve been trying to catch up on my beauty sleep, so I’m super behind on all of my favorite series. I plan on spending some quality time with my DVR in order to stay current!
3. Read. When I got an iPad for Christmas last year, it totally switched up my reading game, and now it’s easier than ever to access my favorite books. I’ve requested tons of Amazon gift cards this year to fill up my Kindle library, and I can read them just about anywhere using their free app. I can even borrow from the library or share with a friend to save money!
4. Take a walk down memory lane. I’m in the process of sorting through all of our old family photos and sorting them into easy-to-find categories, and they’ll be stored in hard protective cases. My other goal is to transfer all of our digital pictures from phones and cameras into physical albums we can enjoy looking through for years to come.
5. Play a game. I love having friends or family over for game night! Invite everyone to bring a small snack and BYOB to keep it cheap and simple.
6. Reconnect with a friend. Invite friends over for snacks and conversation, or take some time out of your day to call or video chat with those that are long distance. I’m currently in the middle of planning for our 10-year high school reunion, and a few of us have had a ton of fun catching up and hanging out together.
7. Make some extra money. Winter is one of my favorite times to re-organize and purge (maybe to make room for new Christmas gifts?). Post items on Craigslist that you’re looking to get rid of. Not only will you make a little extra cash, but you’ll de-clutter your home, as well!
8. Try something new. Test a new recipe or learn a new skill! I’m always cooking up something creative to bring to holiday get-togethers, and I love bringing brand-new recipes for people to try out. I’d also love to try my hand at knitting. Maybe find an experienced friend to show you the ropes and share supplies!
9. Wander the neighborhood. I love bundling up and taking walks around the neighborhood to see everyone’s decorations and holiday lights. It’s typically quiet near us in the evenings, and sometimes that makes it feel as if we’re the only ones around. Bring along some gloves and hot chocolate to keep you warm!
10. Rest and relax. Take some quiet time to yourself. Relax in a bubble bath or hot shower. Take a nap in the middle of the day. Meditate and play quiet music. Now is the perfect time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season and recoup!
How do you keep yourself entertained at home without spending a lot? Is there anything you enjoy (or don’t enjoy) doing?
