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The holidays are coming! Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the New Year give us all a lot to look forward to, and most importantly, fun & festive activities, food, and drinks. If you’re feeling a little stuck on things to do this holiday season, here are some great ideas to get into the festive spirit.
Lace-up the old pair of skates, head down to the local rink, & channel your inner Kristi Yamaguchi. Most towns have a go-to spot for ice-skating, and many large cities have picturesque, outdoor rinks that pop up in the wintertime. Ice-skating is a great way to get some exercise and remember why you love solid, non-slippery ground. If you don’t already have a pair of skates, many ice rinks offer rentals for just a few bucks.
The upside of the sun going down earlier is that there’s plenty of time to look at all the beautiful Christmas lights. Everyone has their own style: some prefer to drive around their neighborhood and others prefer to bundle up and take a walk. Plus, every town has that one community that goes “all out” on their decorations. More and more cities are also holding ‘Zoo Lights’ events, where visitors can stroll through a winter wonderland of decorations, light displays, and cold-weather creatures for an unforgettable experience.
It’s not a holiday until you’ve made at least one craft. Whether it’s building a candy-covered gingerbread house, making ornaments for the tree, or decorating your own stockings, Christmas has plenty of crafts. Looking for the next level? Make your own candles for the Hanukkah menorah or Kwanzaa kinara. There are plenty of tutorials online, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is.
Did you know Christmas day is the biggest day for movie theaters every year? If venturing out isn’t in the cards, you don’t have to leave your house. Grab some snacks and line up your favorite holiday movies. There are countless Christmas classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “Christmas Vacation”, “A Christmas Story”, and “A Christmas Carol”. Then there are less top-of-mind flicks like “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Die Hard” that also count. We’ll be honest, they’re pretty much all Christmas movies.
One thing every holiday has in common: amazing food. Whether you’re baking a sweet treat for friends and family or whipping up a signature casserole, cooking is by far one of the best ways to pass the time during the holidays. Cookies, latkes, Christmas ham, mashed potatoes, the list goes on and on. There’s no real food that doesn’t belong at a holiday dinner. If you’re staying in, you can also whip up those winter-only drinks like mulled wine, eggnog, and spiced cider that warm you up & keep spirits high.
Get out while the sun is shining to take in snow-covered landscapes and see your favorite places transformed by the winter light. Luckily, just about every way to get through snow is fun: hiking, snowshoeing, sledding, and skiing. Spots like Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles, and even Chicago all have ski resorts within a few hours. If skiing is a bit too much of a winter rush, try grabbing a pair of snowshoes for a more serene (and affordable) option.
If you’re not close to the forest, or spending a day in the cold isn’t your thing, holiday markets like Chriskindlemart in Chicago, Enchant Christmas in Dallas, and The Christmas Village in Philadelphia are a great way to get outside while also staying close to the comforts of home. Plus, you can eat tons of great food and get some shopping done at the same time.
The days of exhausting yourself in the kitchen are over. Work smarter and not harder by ordering a feast from a local restaurant. Many have family-sized portions of main dishes, tasty sides, and desserts that make an unforgettable dinner just a few clicks away. Some also offer take-home cocktails and other tasty drinks, especially during the 2020 holiday season. You’ll also be supporting a local business, too!
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