The holidays are full of magic, but let’s be honest: they can also bring a little financial stress. Between classroom parties, family dinners, and the never-ending gift lists, it’s easy to feel like your budget doesn’t stand a chance. But with a little planning, some creative thinking, and help from our generous local community, you can make this season merry and manageable.
Budgeting Tips
1. Make a List (and check it twice!)
Think about the items you'll spend more on during the holidays, like food, clothing and gifts. Give each category a spending limit, and stick to your limits.
2. Capitalize on Local Sales
Shop early for the best deals. Small Business Saturday (the Saturday after Thanksgiving) is a fantastic time to score deals at local retail shops like 5 Pound Apparel, Springfield Mercantile Co., and Finley Farms in Ozark.
3. Regift or DIY
Gifts from the heart are more meaningful AND easier on your wallet. You can check out local DIY options at Artistree Pottery and even library workshops like this teen art studio to make some amazing, low-cost gifts for friends and family.
4. Use Cash Back Apps and Store Rewards
The options are almost endless, but if you're new to deals apps, try Ibotta or Rakuten. Be sure to sign up for rewards at stores and restaurants you frequent. Target and McDonald's famously offer major deals through their apps.
5. Plan Gift Exchanges
Buying gifts for everyone in your friend group or book club gets expensive. Suggest a swap instead, where each person only brings one gift to the group holiday party. Bonus: these gift exchanges often have a set spending limit.
Local Assistance
Crosslines Community Outreach
Get a Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey, and shop at the holiday toy store. Applications are required for each resource. Call or drop by during food pantry hours for more information and to apply.
Salvation Army
Join the SAL for a community Thanksgiving or Christmas lunch - open to community members.
Sign up to participate in the Angel Tree program by October 31.
Victory Mission
Offering Thanksgiving and Christmas meals at several locations throughout the season
OACAC
Hosts holiday stores in several area communities.
Springfield Dream Center
Throws an annual Christmas party. It is currently full, but you can join the waitlist and reach out for additional assistance.
Free Holiday Events
Free Picture with Santa @ Bass Pro - Thru 12/24
Make a Thankful Wreath Craft @ Clever Library - 11/6
Sign up for a family photo school @ Ozark Library - 11/8
Make handprint turkeys @ the Midtown library - 11/21
FREE Ice Skating @ Brightspeed Ice Park - 11/22
Ozark Christmas Parade - 11/22
Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony - 11/22
FREE Ice Skating @ Brightspeed Ice Park - 11/28
"Jingle All the Way" Movie @ Ash Grove Library - 12/1
Signing Santa @ Bass Pro - 12/5
Live Nativity @ Ozark Empire Fairgrounds - 12/4-12/6
DIY Ugly Holiday Sweater @ The Library Center - 12/6
FREE Ice Skating @ Brightspeed Ice Park - 12/6
Bolivar Christmas Parade - 12/6
"The Santa Clause" @ Ash Grove Library - 12/8
Winter Walk @ The Nature Center - 12/13
"A Christmas Carol" @ Strafford Library - 12/13
Springfield Christmas Parade - 12/13
Grinches Parade of Presents in Fair Grove - 12/13
Breakfast & Pictures with Santa (RSVP Required) - 12/13
"Home Alone" @ Ash Grove Library - 12/15
FREE Ice Skating @ Brightspeed Ice Park - 12/19
Christmas Storytime @ Willard Library - 12/23
FREE Ice Skating @ Brightspeed Ice Park - 12/24
Give Back
1. Help Prep or Hand Out Holiday Meals
Crosslines offers support for organizations to host their own food drives
Volunteer at the Victory Mission kitchen during meal distributions.
Sort and pack food at Ozarks Food Harvest to ensure families don't go hungry.
Harmony House has an open application for meal prep and service.
Volunteer at Least of These in Ozark to help families get quality food.
2. Donate Coats & Toys
Crosslines: Donate toys to the holiday store for families in need
Check out the Salvation Army's Angel Tree registry list at Walmart.
Bring toys to the annual Village Inn Toy Drive on December 7. (Bonus: you get a coupon for a free meal with your donation)
Participate in Operation Home Front's annual toy drive
3. Spread the Joy
Crosslines: Sponsor a child in foster care for the holidays
Salvation Army: Sign up to be a bell ringer and raise money for families in need.
Volunteer to help distribute toys to Angel Tree families December 17-18
Become a holiday hero for Foster Adopt Connect! Donate toys and volunteer for distribution days.
Want more options? Reach out to Volunteer Ozarks.
The holidays don’t have to be about how much you spend. They’re about connection, kindness, and community. Whether you’re finding new ways to stretch your budget or giving back to help others do the same, Springfield has plenty of ways to make this season shine.
