Create a photo album with this year’s family photos and videos. Select favorite photos and transfer them to a CD or DVD, or go to Slide.com to create your photographic memory lane. Add captions and short stories. “People love to see their lives unfold,” says Natalie P. McNeal, The Frugalista Files blogger at MiamiHerald.com.
By Angela P. Moore-Thorpe
“Pick out a family charity and schedule time to volunteer for it as a unit,” says McNeal. “Offer to volunteer on behalf of someone else’s favorite charity,” suggests Finney. Organize a neighborhood coat and blanket drive for a homeless shelter, or visit Volunteermatch.org to search for a cause that you are passionate about.
Actor Lance Gross and model-actress Eva Marcille attend the Baskin Robbins Wrapped With A Bow event at Giggles ‘n’ Hugs in Los Angeles. The wrapped gifts will be distributed throughout the L.A. area to foster children by the Jayneoni Moore Children’s Fund.
This year, visit a museum for the holiday. “Most museums and art institutes have free days or times,” says McNeal. The Museum of Modern Art in New York is free on Fridays from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Go to Museumsusa.org to locate museums in your area.
Shop for free items online at Freecycle.org and join the movement of people who are giving and getting things gratis to reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. The site offers free televisions, toys, clothes, furniture, electronics—you name it. It’s available in most states, with each local group moderated by a volunteer. Membership is free.
Most cities offer free events such as a tree-lighting ceremonies, winter wonderlands, live nativity scenes, holiday parades, live Christmas performances or plays at the malls for the entire family to enjoy free of charge. Check your local newspaper for additional free holiday events to attend.
Play What Not to Wear. Clean your buddy’s closet, help rid your pal of fashion no-nos and rearrange the space.