Happy December friends! Christmas is one of those seasons, at least for us, where we want to do ALL the things. Decorate our entire house (outside & inside) with so many gorgeous decorations, go to all of the concerts & plays, buy everyone the perfect gift etc. But as teen-20somethings, and for me as a newlywed too, I've come to accept that there is only so much I can do with the budget I have.

It's where most of us find ourselves at this stage of life- Lavish Christmas dreams with a Charlie Brown Tree budget! haha! SO I want to make sure that whatever I choose to do this Christmas, means a lot to me and brings me joy. I want to do things that make memories, and whatever that looks like for you- YOU CAN DO IT, even on a budget!

We've come up with a list of 11 Christmas Traditions/Activities that you can start doing (with your friends or new family)!Our team has done all of these and they have become traditions we will do for years and years to come. After all, it's not the "things" that make Christmas worth celebrating anyhow!

1. Drive around and look at Neighborhood Christmas Lights (w/ popcorn & hot cocoa!)

 I (Lanissa) grew up doing this with my mom, and have started doing it with my hubby to! It makes the sweetest memories! My tip- do some research for the neighborhoods with the best lights and play Christmas Music with the windows down as you drive through and gaze in awe! :)

2. Look in your local paper & FB page and go to a Community Christmas Event!

 Our town always has free Christmas concerts, a Holiday Home Tour & a Cookie Tour! There is always something free & FUN to go to (hallleelujahhh!) So make it a date and enjoy your own town! I bet you'll find something you love. :)

3. Find some fun cookies cutters & a recipe and decorate homemade cookies!

I love doing this, even if they come out looking like a mess. Or in my case, the first time I tried making some for Ryan- they were SO gross! haha. So to keep you from that horrible experience ;), here is my favorite Sugar Cookie Recipe! Now go search your local Target or Antique stores for some cute cookie cutters! Then grab someone you love and bake away!

4.Host a “Favorites” Coffee, Lunch or Desert Party With Your Girls

Invite your best girls over or some you want to hang with more & tell everyone to bring 1 gift that is one of their favorite things from this past year (a book, beauty product, plant, whatever!). Have some easy festive snacks (keep it simple!), figure out a few meaningful group questions to ask, and then everyone picks a gift and the giver explains why it is one of their fav things. I love this meaningful way to slow down for a bit with just a handful of your favorite girls

5. Do Something That Makes Someone Else's Christmas a Little Brighter! Ideas below!

We love this one. Whether its leaving a generous tip & note on the receipt when you eat out, helping a homeless person or family in need, giving to the Santa's ringing the bell outside a store & having a real conversation with them or just BEING KIND throughout the craziness people feel this season. Listen to the Lord & follow  Him when he says to go and be a light!

6.Read the Story of Jesus's Birth (the real Christmas Story) on Christmas Morning before anything else!

I (Makaela) have been doing this with my family since I was little. Starting your day by acknowledging and worshipping the King of Kings is the best start to any day, but especially Christmas Day. Gather your family, friends, or get alone with Him and read this OUT LOUD. You won't regret it!

7. Make your own Christmas Craft with what you have at home! 

Seriously! Toilet paper rolls, socks, glitter, paper plates, popcorn & thread! Make it fun. My (Lanissa) dad does this every Christmas, and they always turn out to be decorations we love the most!

8.Watch ALL your fav Christmas Movies!

So easy & so fun! Our favorites? White Christmas, Elf, It's A Wonderful Life, The Santa Claus (all of them!), Miracle on 34th Street, Christmas Carol & The Grinch with Jim Carrie!

9. Grab your friends and go Christmas Caroling!!!

We had to put this one! Seriously, we know you want to do it every time you see it in those Hallmark movies. So why not?! Put on something warm, grab some friends & go around singing your favorite Christmas Carols! It's guaranteed to be bring smiles & be a night to remember!

10. Write & give hand written cards to those you are thankful for!

A long lost art, that we still can't get enough of. There is nothing sweeter than a hand written note to those in your corner. Create your own or buy some for $1 at Target and tell your people why you are so thankful for them this Christmas!

11. Visit a Christmas Church Service close to Christmas day!

If you're able to go to your local church, a family member's church or if you are out of town- find a local service to attend! Make it a tradition to find a Church Body & worship with them no matter where you are close to Christmas! It's so special & a memory to be made!

We would LOVE to know your favorite Christmas Traditions!! No seriously, you heard us say we want to do ALL the Christmas things! Tell us your favorite Traditions in the comments below so we can celebrate together!

Merry Christmas friends!

The Becoming Team