No matter how many sayings there are about the true reason for the season, it's hard not to feel pressured to spend money over the holidays. But if you look hard enough (and ignore the constant drone of marketers), there are plenty of activities that won't cost you a dime.

Ceremonial Lighting Celebrations
Many cities and towns hold free lighting ceremonies where everyone can gather and watch the holiday decorations come to life. These events aren't just a great way to ring in a new season, they're also the perfect time to connect with your community. People of all generations will want to see all that color chase out the darkness.

Holiday Light Displays
Light displays are often free and celebrate the holiday season in all its glory. Bring a little joy to your world even when you're on a budget.

Free Holiday Concerts
This one may take a little more digging, but you can usually find a variety of holiday concerts that are open to the public. This may be anything from a professional symphony to a college orchestra to a children's choir. The point isn't to find the most talented musicians of all time, but to honor the locals who want to give back with a festive song or two.

Organize Carol Outings
Caroling can be exceptionally fun, even if you don't get a lot of people to open their doors to you. When you sing as a group, it can create an instant connection to the choir and the people around you. Plus, it's a great way to weed out your least favorite music and put your own spin on all your favorites.

Budget-Friendly Entertainment
You may be hesitant to host a party this year, but there's no reason to avoid having people over. Plus, it gives you a good reason to clean up and decorate around your place. Use found objects to dress up your walls and door, ask friends and family to bring a bottle or dish, and watch how everyone pitches in to make for an unforgettable evening.

Volunteer Your Time
There may be plenty of amazing holiday events (e.g., charity galas, concerts, etc.) that you can attend if you volunteer to park cars, organize the guest list, and set up the decorations. This is also a great way to network with some of the more influential people in your area.
While the holidays may still require at least a little spending on your part, you can cut way back if you get a little creative. Use these tips to jump-start your plans so you can really start enjoying the season.