If you're like most people these days, your holiday budget  is probably a little tighter this year. Don't let that stop you from fully enjoying the Spirit of the Season, Mamas! Here are a few tips to find easy, affordable ways to get your holiday groove on!

1. Fill the house with holiday music

2. Hot cocoa. Need I say more? Make it nice, with marshmallows. Or make it naughty and spike it. Drink it in a special holiday mug

3. Take a walk around your neighborhood and enjoy the lights and decorations

4. Pop popcorn and watch some holiday classics. Rent or do a swap with friends

5. Simmer some cinnamon sticks, orange slices and cloves to fill the house with holiday cheer. You can use older oranges, and get your spices in bulk at ethnic stores

6. Do more for others, instead of just buying things. Cook a meal for someone. Clean a house. Help wrap gifts. Take blankets to a homeless or abused women's shelter. Focus on doing

7. Sing carols out loud! Emphasis on loud : )

8. Set aside time to call and reconnect with friends and family you haven't spoken to much this year. Give them the gift of your undivided time and attention. Sit down, call and listen deeply

9. Check out your community activities, and GO!

10. Walk to Starbucks and treat yourself to one of their yummy holiday drinks. Pay for the person behind you if you can

11. Smile more often. Give the gift of joy to as many people as you can. We're all under a great amount of stress. Spreading joy is one of the most important things we all can be doing this year!

12. Decorate the house with your most treasured decorations - the art and ornaments your children have made throughout the years. Forget the expensive (or even not-so-expensive) ornaments and go for uniquely-yours decorations

13. Write Christmas letters to your treasured family and friends. Tell them how much you love them and what they mean to you. Send them the old-fashioned way: by mail! Everyone loves getting a handwritten note

14. Before you pack away the holiday, buy a few packages of holiday cards at after-season sales. You'll get amazing deals and be ready for next year

15. Decide upfront what you are willing to spend money on and what you are not spending money on this year. Then let it go. Don't shame yourself or feel guilty

15. Keep it in perspective. This is just one year, and if your holidays are not exactly the way you wanted them to be, that's ok. This too shall pass. Enjoy that you are here now, in this moment

Happy, Happy Holidays Mamas! I love you so