20 Holiday Staycation Ideas

Are you ready for this? The average American family reportedly spends close to $1,000 during the holidays. Scary, right? Factor in festive activities, decorations and all the yummy food, and the total rises even more, often making a real-life vacation for the family out of reach. Breathe easy and save money with these 20 holiday staycation ideas that will make staying put feel like an escape.

This season, make eating in bed a holiday tradition. Get the kids together to make a menu of all the special trimmings everyone craves for the holidays. Take advantage of seasonal ingredients and flavors (like hearty pumpkin, sweet apples, warm cinnamon and creamy eggnog) to make the most of your meal. Then, bring the food to bed and cuddle up under the covers while you listen to your favorite holiday songs and fill your bellies. You'll never have a merrier breakfast.

Map out a route that includes the biggest and best local holiday light displays. Ask friends and neighbors if they know of any houses to view, or check online to see if there are any secret spots to see in your area. Whether you walk or pile in the car (while cranking the yuletide tunes), your family will have tons of holiday fun seeing the colorfully lit streets together.

OK, maybe tourists don't craft and bake, but trust us, making something to keep and something to eat are the best ways to create holiday magic. Get imaginative with your family by designing personal ornaments together and whipping up warm goodies to enjoy afterwards. The ornaments will last for years to come and you can live in the moment while enjoying one (or seven) Christmas cookies. Pro tip: Combine both activities and create holiday cookie ornaments.

Going to a live holiday concert is a fantastic way to support your local community. Listen to "Jingle Bells" played on hand bells, marvel at combined choir vocals and even patronize a school play. You know what the best part about holiday concerts are? Your only job is to sit and listen (and maybe sing along with your kids).

Grab your PJs and favorite treats, then get ready for a yuletide movie marathon that features everyone's favorite holiday classics (obviously that includes "Elf" and "The Polar Express"). As long as you've got some fluffy socks, an oversized mug full of rich hot cocoa and a cozy blanket, there's little chance anyone will feel anything less than good cheer.

You know the restaurant you keep telling yourself you're going to try but then you just go to your usual place because it's close and you don't need to look at the menu? This is the perfect time to throw away excuses and treat yourself and your loved ones to the new tastes of a new place. Be sure to ask your server if there are any holiday specials you should try!

Get ready for holiday-themed nails, a massage to work out that seasonal stress and a complete spa-liday experience. When you're online shopping for gifts, snag a discounted spa day for yourself. Think about booking a couple's massage for you and your honey to enjoy together after the holiday break comes to an end (and the kids are finally back in school)!

Rum and eggnog. Bailey's and bourbon. The classics can never be replaced, but play around with new combinations to mix the perfect Christmas cocktail for you and your partner to sip while wrapping gifts (check out these Mom.me-approved holiday cocktails ). Make a virgin batch for the kids to have a family toast on Christmas Eve (and don't forget to leave an adult beverage for Santa).

Seriously, moms, it can't always be about the kids. It's about time you and your honey (or you and your best buddy) went out for a night on the town. Not only does it feel good to cut loose with your best moves, but dancing also has calorie-burning benefits that will help with guilt-free holiday dining. Also, try keeping the party at home and picking out Christmas dance songs for the whole family to join in on.

Sites like Airbnb and Homeaway have listings that let you adopt a new space for the holidays. You'll be surprised by how affordable local rentals can be versus staying at a standard hotel. Celebrating the season close to home—yet in a fresh environment—can add a boost to your holiday spirit and truly make you feel as if you're on vacation.

'Tis the season for giving, and that includes you too. While you're searching for the perfect special gift for your spouse and kids, make sure to pick up a few things you love as well. Just like when you're on vacation, a few holiday "souvenirs" will go a long way toward making you feel as if this is a season to be celebrated.

Any time is the perfect time to live in the moment. This holiday staycation, go over your bucket list and find something you can do now. There's no time like the present to give yourself and your family the gift of making a long-held dream or wish come true. Get creative and make a special holiday bucket list with things to do with your family before the ball drops on January 1. Holiday vacation days don't last forever, so make every moment count!

It's popular for adults to get together, sip vino and paint their next masterpiece while having fun, but why can't families do it too? Transform the idea into a family-friendly holiday tradition. Instead of wine (for the kids), serve apple cider or hot cocoa, blast your favorite carols, lay out paints, markers and coloring pages, then let everyone's holiday creativity come to life.

Holiday plays such as Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" or "The Nutcracker" are nostalgic reminders of childhood and can be great early memories for your child as well. Search local event listings to find new holiday titles that might be exclusive to your town. Teach your family art appreciation while seeing a show you love—two gifts under one tree.

Being an adult is hard. Being a mom is harder because there never seems to be enough time to visit your friends. During this year's holiday staycation, make use of everyone's time off from real life to catch up with the friends you just don't get to see enough of. Plus, there are all kinds of delicious holiday-themed coffee drinks and treats to try while you're together.

Have fun and go big while decorating this holiday season. Whether you go shopping for brand-new tinsel to wrap around your tree or you're adding to your impressive collection of decorations, just make sure you're enjoying the process. Turn your shared family space into a holiday work of art that will leave you all feeling merry whenever you walk in the room.

Who can remember the last time they got to indulge in a beloved novel? You're on a staycation, so that means it's time to crack open all of those books that have been collecting dust on your nightstand and actually read them. Get a few kid-friendly holiday books for your children to enjoy and make a daily ritual out of reading together.

Use props like antler ears and Santa hats, throw on ugly sweaters and smile while you and your loved ones attempt to take at least one perfect holiday photo this year. Of course, it never will actually be perfect, but who cares? Play some music, squeeze in close and take as many photos of everyone together as you can because the holidays are never long enough, but pictures last forever on our hard drives.

Sometimes being a tourist at home means doing things you wouldn't normally do to have fun. Why not try an indoor potted garden? Just because the temperature has dropped doesn't mean you can't exercise your green thumb. There are plenty of plants that thrive in low light or survive winters on windowsills. Have everyone pick the plant they want to grow, and begin a garden as a family. Improve the quality of air inside your home, add to the decor and bring something new to life this holiday.

Winter months mean clearer night skies to view constellations. It might be chilly out, but bundle up and step outside with a warm drink, if only for a few moments to witness the beauty of the stars. Don't worry about knowing which is the Big or Little Dipper, just enjoy the crisp air and glowing stars while showing your kids how to appreciate the wonder all around them. Then, run back inside to get warm because winter temps do not play around. Don't forget to make a wish with your kids on the brightest star they can find!