Welcome, Future Early Retirees.

Merry Christmas everyone! As you spend this wonderful holiday with family and love ones, it is often a day that starts with opening presents from Santa 🎅 followed by a day of lounging around with not much else planned. While I’m all for a little relaxation, it is nice when you are able to do a few activities that get everyone involved. Here are 12 activities you can do for cheap.

In today’s newsletter:

• Share Money Bags 💰

• Christmas Activities

• Things I found interesting

Share Money Bags 💰

Share this newsletter with your friends, family, and people you want to impress 😉

1 REFERRALS = MONEY BAGS 💰 PREMIUM EXPENSE TRACKER

You currently have 0 referrals, only 1 away from receiving Expense Tracker.

Copy and paste this link: https://moneybags.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER

Christmas Activities

1. Homemade Decorations: Dive into DIY! Craft ornaments from old magazines, pine cones, or even pasta. Not only is it a good money saver, but it also adds a personal touch to your home.

2. Secret Santa with a Twist: Instead of a traditional Secret Santa where the spending cap is low, you could make it 'handmade only', teaching everyone the value of effort and personal thought over expense.

3. Cookie Exchange: Host a cookie swap where everyone brings a batch of homemade cookies. This reduces costs and allows people to get creative with their baking. Plus, it's a lesson in sharing resources, a key principle in personal finance.

4. Nature Walk for Décor: A personal favorite of mine. You’ll never come back from a good nature walk upset you did it. Collect branches, leaves, and pine cones to make wreaths or garlands. It's free, eco-friendly, and a great way to reconnect with nature, which can be incredibly grounding during the busy holiday season.

5. Memory Jar: Encourage each family member to write down their favorite moments from the year. Decorate a jar to store these memories. It costs next to nothing but creates a priceless keepsake, emphasizing experiences over possessions.

6. Caroling: Organize a neighborhood caroling event. It's free entertainment that fosters community spirit.

7. Book Swap: If you're part of a book club or have book-loving family, organize a swap. This not only reduces spending on gifts but also promotes reading, which is an investment in personal growth.

8. Free Local Events: Check out local newsletters, libraries, churches, or community centers for free holiday events. From Christmas markets to carol concerts, these can provide festive fun.

9. Upcycle Gifts: Turn something old into something new. Paint old glass bottles for vases, or make a scarf from an old sweater. This teaches the value of resources and reduces waste, aligning with smart financial habits.

10. Homemade Coupons: Give the gift of time or service. Coupons for a home-cooked dinner, a day of chores, or a movie night at home. These gifts are thoughtful and promote spending quality time, which is invaluable.

11. Virtual Game Night: Host an online game night using free apps or games you already own. This can be a fun way to connect with distant friends or family, saving both time and money on travel. Codenames and Skribblio are my favorites.

12. Volunteer Together: Spend a day volunteering at a local shelter or food kitchen. This teaches children about giving back and shows that the best gifts often come from acts of kindness, not from stores.

Hopefully at least one of these ideas inspires you do something outside of the ordinary this Christmas. Hard to believe we have less than 7 days left in 2024! As we head into 2025, I encourage you to use this time to recharge and get excited about the new year. From electric air taxies to traveling to Mars, the roaring twenties are just getting started!

Thank you for reading!

Reply to my emails anytime! I’d love to hear from you.

This email was sent with beehiiv, where you too could start your own newsletter for free!

Here’s how you make sure you get the most use out of Money Bags 💰

1. Be sure you are subscribe. If not, you can here

2. Share this with someone you know and love using your referral link 

3. Utilize the FREE financial tools offered

Things I Found Interesting

• 200 inventions from 2024

• Netflix secures U.S. rights to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027, 2031

• 23 best Christmas Movies

Feedback

You can add more feedback after choosing an option 👇

Enjoyed this newsletter? Forward it to a friend and have them signup here.

Talk to you all next Wednesday 🙋‍♂️