By: Jaslyn Ravenscraft
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” With the holidays fast approaching, friends and family are coming together to celebrate. One of the best aspects of the holiday season is the quality time spent surrounded with the ones you love. Although family time is great, sometimes everyone needs a break from sitting around the living room and watching football. Here are twelve activities for when the winter blues arrive.
Ice Skating is a classic winter activity. There are many rinks that offer “free skate” in the afternoons, so grab your besties and don your skates, for what is sure to be an afternoon full of laughter.
A neighborhood lights tour is perfect for putting people in the holiday spirit. Don’t forget to bundle up!
Take a sleigh ride with yours bffs or bf. It’s a great excuse to cuddle and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season together.
Have a snow day! Build snowmen, have a snowball fight, sled, and – if you’re feeling adventurous – try a new winter sport such as skiing or snowboarding. Grab your friends and family to make memories that are sure to be talked about for years to come.
Make indoor s’mores and watch The Polar Express. This is one of my family’s favorite traditions. The Polar Express is a classic Christmas tale that will bring alive the magic of Christmas, just like when you were a child. And who doesn’t love s’mores? Here is my favorite indoor s’more recipe: http://www.dessertfortwo.com/indoor-smores/
Do a Secret Santa gift exchange with your friends. Have everyone make a list of some of their favorite things and then put the lists in a hat. Take turns randomly drawing a name until everyone has someone. Keep the names a secret, go shopping and pick out a small gift for the person you picked. Get creative with the gifts! It’s also a great way to avoid choosing which friends to buy gifts for; it’s a win-win!
Build a gingerbread house with your family or friends. It requires teamwork and communication as well as a great excuse to eat candy! Its a great way to break the ice with the cousins you haven’t seen in a year. (We’ve all been there.)
Volunteer at a soup kitchen or bell ring for the Salvation Army, an organization that raises money for those in need. It’s the time of year to reflect on what you have to be grateful for, but also give back and make someone’s holiday a little bit brighter. Contact your local Salvation Army for opportunities.
Go window shopping at the mall to enjoy the excitement of the season without the stress. Get ideas for your wish list and those on your nice list.
Create DIY ornaments to hang on the tree. They add a personal touch and can become a great holiday tradition and a way to remember each passing year.
Go see a live Nutcracker performance. Even if you’re not a ballet fan, it is a classic story about a girl and her precious gift. The music is upbeat and the storyline is intense, comedic and heartwarming. Treat your mom or best friend to a night out at the theatre.
“And on the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…” the gift of treats! Bake something new and hand out goodies to neighbors and friends. Desserts are an easy, thoughtful gift for anyone on your list. And who doesn’t love a delicious glazed gingerbread scone? Pinterest has some great holiday recipe ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/pillsbury/holiday-desserts/
Happy Holidays!
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