3 Budget Friendly Christmas Activities

It's finally Christmas time! During this time, my soul feels warm as it is filled with much needed time with family and friends. On the other spectrum, I also experience FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)! I feel like I have to do everything with everyone. As a result, I easily get stressed and quickly overwhelmed with the Holidays.

This year, to combat FOMO, I focused on three budget friendly activities that capture the Christmas spirit that everyone can enjoy. Check out my Itinerary below for creating stress free memories during the holidays.

#1: Fabulous Forties

The fabulous forties or more commonly known as the Fab 40s Is a great place to start. It Is located In East Sacramento and completely free! We like to visit starting the second weekend of December.

I had no Idea until I did some research, but did you know former President Ronald Reagan lived In the Fab 40s district?

The Fab 40s Is a gorgeous neighborhood mixed with modern and traditional homes. Every christmas, most of the homes In the district decorate their front yard with extravagant christmas lights. You can either choose to walk or drive through this experience. We typically like to walk. Driving I find to be more stressful with all the cars creating lots of traffic.

Itinerary:

1. Pick up a warm drink from Temple Coffee Roasters on H St. (closes at 8pm, 4201 H St, Sacramento, CA 95819). Another great option Is the Temple on K St.

This Is a Mexican Hot Chocolate from Temple on K street (2200 K St, Sacramento, CA 95816). This location Is unique- Walk In and you will see the floors covered In pennies. About a 7 minute drive to the Fab 40s.

2. Parking: We like to park our car along 42nd and H St. Please keep In mind this Is a residential area. When driving to the Fab 40s, avoid J St. It can get busy with people driving through to see the lights.

3. FAB 40s: you made It! Traditionally, we like to start walking on 42nd St. and end the night on 4oth St. You can make this experience as short or as long as you would like. Some homes even sell hot chocolate on their front lawn for a small fee.

Map of the Itinerary covering Temple Coffee Roasters on H St, Parking along 42nd and the Fab 40s between 40th and 43rd St.

#2: Costco Gingerbread Houses

Next time you are at Costco getting groceries, be on the lookout for a premade gingerbread house kit.

The kit costs arounds $16 and comes with enough Icing and candy to decorate. Because the house Is already pre assembled, It creates less mess trying to piece everything together. Yay for a stress free clean up!

Itinerary:

1. While you are Costco, pick up a kit

2. Get creative!

Tip: I like to set up the gingerbread house on a cookie sheet- makes It easy to display around the house and helps with a quick clean up

The Gingerbread man and christmas tree are also included in the kit

#3 Enchant

This was my first year at Enchant. Enchant is a grand christmas maze filled with lights only happening at select locations throughout the country. It Is on the pricer end, $35 per adult, but a great way to experience a christmas maze with loved ones. If you enjoy gifting experiences, this Is a great option!

This year Enchant made a visit to Sacramento and located In Sutter Health Park (River Cats stadium). Right when you walk In, you are welcomed with lights and an Ice skating rink. There are plenty of opportunities for pictures, eating and drinking, music and even pictures with Santa.

Things to know before you go:

-Buy tickets before attending.

-Expect to be In line for at least 20 minutes. There Is a security check upon entrance and clear bags only. The line goes by fairly quickly.

-If you get cold easily (like me...), pack hand warmers!

-There are decent food and drink options available.

Itinerary:

1. Buy tickets online at https://enchantchristmas.com/

a. Tickets come with a parking pass

2. Get to Enchant about 25 minutes before for parking and standing In line

3. Explore Enchant- we started with drinks. You can purchase drinks and enjoy them on a heated patio or walk around the maze with It In hand. There Is also the option to Ice skate and relax by a fireplace near the maze.

You can also participate In a hunt for presents by the mischievous elves. Upon entrance, you are given a small pamphlet and with each present found, there Is a stamp correlated with It.

5. If you have time, check out Drakes: The Barn. It Is an 8 minute walk from Sutter health park or a 2 minute car ride. I recommend keeping your car parked from Enchant and walking over- parking could be difficult at The Barn.

The Barn Is an outdoors family friendly bar with a great beer selection and pizza. You can also rent fire pits to stay warm or make delicious smores at. Additionally, there are outdoor games like cornhole everyone can enjoy.

A picture of Drakes I took over the Summer, they have this very cool art piece at the entrance. Makes for a great Instagram Pic!

Cheers to creating stress free memories~