I Asked ChatGPT How To Celebrate the Holidays for Cheap (or Free) — Here’s What It Said

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Holiday expenses can stress an already tight budget. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that Americans plan to spend about $890 each in 2025 on gifts, food and decorations combined. If taking on holiday debt isn’t practical for you, it’s OK to spend little or nothing. 

GOBankingRates asked ChatGPT how to celebrate the holidays without spending a lot — or anything at all. Here’s how to put your money where it matters this holiday season and let everything else go. 

Rethink Gifts Altogether

Gifts will make up more than 70% of holiday budgets this year, according to the NRF. ChatGPT offered the following ideas to minimize gift-giving costs without skipping the tradition.

• Write something personal. A heartfelt note costs nothing and feels meaningful.
• Share digital gifts. Send playlists, photo slideshows or holiday-themed video messages.
• Bake small treats. A single batch of cookies or a holiday bread can be divided among several recipients for just a few dollars.
• Trade what you already have. Organize a swap of books, puzzles or holiday decorations.
• Offer time or help. A simple note promising a ride, homecooked meal or a favor is always appreciated.

Ask for Help When It Comes to Holiday Parties and Meals

Holiday meals and hosting is an area where costs can add up quickly. ChatGPT said to cut costs for holiday meals by asking others to shoulder some of the expense. Here are its suggestions.

• Host a potluck. Ask everyone to bring one dish to cut expenses and cleanup time.
• Keep it simple. Soup, chili or pasta can feed a group for less.
• Use what’s in your pantry. Build a menu around what you already have to save big.
• Plan a dessert swap. Each guest can bake a dessert and trade servings with others so everyone leaves with variety. Desserts that don’t need refrigeration are good options. 

Create Cheap (or Free) Decorations 

Decorating doesn’t have to start with a trip to a craft store. Here are some low-cost or zero-dollar alternatives ChatGPT suggested.

• Use natural items. Gather pinecones, twigs or greenery from outside.
• Repurpose paper and fabric. Cut shapes from magazines, paper bags or old wrapping paper to make garlands.
• Reuse and refresh. Dust off last year’s decorations or swap extras with friends.
• Borrow instead of buy. Join local “buy nothing” groups for free decorations or wrapping materials.

Find Free Local Fun

If you do a little digging, you’ll find that most cities host free or low-cost activities throughout the holidays. Check out Eventbrite, look on social media, or check your local parks department or community page for schedules.

Here are some suggestions of possibly free events in your area, according to ChatGPT.

• Attend tree lightings, parades or public concerts. Many cities host these annual events for free to bring the community together.
• Visit free museum or library events. Local libraries often host craft nights or movie screenings during the season.
• Explore holiday markets with free entertainment. Walk through local markets and enjoy the music and atmosphere, but skip the shopping to save.
• Take a neighborhood light walk or visit downtown displays. Bundle up, grab a warm drink from home and enjoy the decorations without spending a dime.

Replace Shopping With Volunteering

If leaving holiday shopping out of the picture this season makes you feel restless, try volunteering. It doesn’t cost anything and can bring more meaning to the season. 

Here are ChatGPT’s suggestions.

• Help at food banks or community kitchens
• Collect coats or toys for local drives
• Walk shelter dogs or deliver meals

Another benefit of volunteering is that it can have positive effects on your health, including lowering your risk of heart disease per Healthline. 

Opt Out of Travel

Americans are planning to spend an average of $1,127 on holiday travel this year, per KPMG Consumer Pulse. Instead of spending over $1,000 on airfare, ChatGPT gave these suggestions.

• Host a local celebration. Invite neighbors or nearby friends.
• Schedule video calls. Use this time to open gifts or share meals with distant family.
• Plan local traditions. Stroll through light displays, take holiday photos at a park, or enjoy a free community concert and tree lighting. 

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