By ALEX COOK | Staff Reporter
In a growing age of consumerism, the holidays can often feel more akin to an excuse to spend money than a time of joy, amusement, and time with loved ones. So, how does one get in the Christmas spirit without finding a hole in your pocket the next day? Here are a few sug-gestions to spice up your winter break on a budget.
1. Winter Crafts and Other Events at the Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries
The library stands as one of the best options for entertainment for those interested in saving money. Libraries are a public good that offers knowledge, community, and a place to be during long breaks. They also tend to offer various events that are open to the public. While the library near you will offer different events than others, the Winter Crafts is a common type of event for those in a more festive mood. From gingerbread to wreaths, it’s a simple but enjoyable way to make December more fun. I highly suggest using the FVRLibraries website and checking their events calendar to see what interests you.
2. Hiking and Enjoying Nature.
Vancouver might not be known for grand amusement parks or Hollywood streets, but that is ideal for those interested in keeping their break cheap. The Pacific Nor thwest is home to some of the most stunning sights in all of America, and it’s easy to take that for granted when crammed with schoolwork. So a nice winter hike can be the refresh you need to escape work and feel free to relax. The Columbia River Waterfront Renaissance Trail, Moulton Falls, and the Washougal River Greenway are great spots to look into. But don’t be afraid to do your own research, just make sure to stick to the path and wear a few extra layers to deal with the cold.
(Alex Cook/TheVancougar)
3. Improv Games at Family Game Night
While the luxury of a nice day spent without spending a cent is easy to obtain alone, the crushing obligation of finding something to do comes when family and friends come over to celebrate. But for those without board games to fill tables, there exists an alternative for game night. Improv games are an excellent way to encourage everyone at the table to break the ice, get to know each other, and best of all, avoid purchasing another board game to sit in your closet. Some common favorites are “Sell It to Me,” a game where each player must grab an item and then sell it to the group, “One Word at a Time,” where a group of people tells a story only saying One. Word. At. A. Time, continuing in a circle until the story finishes, and “Questions Only,” where a scenario is decided and everyone in the scene can only speak in questions, continuing until someone makes a mistake. However, improv games can be adapted to the needs and interests of the group you are playing with, and the rulebook is as short as its explanation.