How to Find Happiness During the Holidays When You Are Broke

Here are my tips on how to find happiness during the holidays when you Are broke.

The holidays are a time where we feel joy, warmth, and love and we give and get the warm fuzzies, too. But what if you are stressed about how to pay for the holiday fun or you are filled with anxiety about your financial situation even when it is not the holidays? It is possible to enjoy the holidays and be filled with the spirit of the season when you are broke financially! I have spent many years in a situation where I didn’t know where the gifts were going to come from for my loved ones or where I was going to get the money to even buy a tree. Despite the tough times, we have found ways to enjoy the holidays.

How to Find Happiness During the Holidays When You Are Broke

Start a gratefulness journal.

A gratefulness journal is simply a place you write down all you are grateful for on a daily basis. It can be something you continue on after the holidays, but I have found it especially useful during the holidays when there is such a deep need in us to buy more or have more. You can look back on it when you feel like you have nothing to offer or give.

Look for free things to do in your area this holiday season.

Most communities host events that are free and open to the public or sponsored by companies in your community. Mine community has a free Live Nativity, tree lighting ceremonies, and free concerts and plays. This is a great way to get out and share in the holiday spirit with your community and it doesn’t cost anything.

Find somewhere to donate your time.

One way I help myself put things into perspective and feel like I am giving back when it feels like I have nothing is to find a place to donate my time. This could even be something you do with your family and can be a valuable experience for everyone. If you give what you have to less fortunate people, you often find you have a tremendous lift in your own spirit.

Look into charities you can get help from.

There are lots of charities that help people get food and gifts for kids for the holidays. Check with your local Salvation army or by calling 211. If you can take some of the financial strain off yourself, it can be a great way to combat the financial blues this time of year.

Start a tradition.

One thing that helps me feel like I am fully participating no matter what my financial circumstances are during the season is by starting or doing a tradition. Traditions don’t even have to cost money. Two of our family traditions are free. We decorate the tree on a certain day for one and on another day, we watch Christmas movies.

Skip TV Time.

If you can, skip as much TV as possible. This is the time of year where ads are crazy! They can make you feel like you don’t have enough very easily. Instead, opt for doing stuff outdoors or even switch to a streaming service that doesn’t have commercials for the time being.

More Frugal Christmas Tips:

50 Ways to Save Christmas Money

7 Ways to Save on Shipping Christmas Gifts

100 Frugal Ways to Enjoy The Holiday Spirit with your Family

Ways to Save Money on a Christmas Tree