The holidays are a wonderful time of year for you to relax, have fun, and engage in festive activities. There is something for everyone to enjoy during the break. Whether it’s building snowmen, visiting a beautiful city, decorating, spending time with loved ones, or even indulging in Christmas sweets, the holiday season is made even more memorable by such unforgettable activities which unite people and create forever lasting memories. To make the most of this wonderful time of year, here are a few of the best things to do over the holiday break.
Visiting New York
I think we can all agree that going to New York City is the perfect way to spend your day during break. It can be a whole day trip and there are endless activities you can experience. Start by getting in a cute and cozy outfit and then hit the road!
Nadia and her family took a joyful trip to New York last Saturday, dressing as elves to fully embrace the Christmas spirit: “We started at the iconic Rockefeller Center, where we took polaroid pictures in front of the beautiful tree and enjoyed the magical place. Then, we visited Dyker Heights to see the jaw-dropping Christmas light displays, learning about the neighborhood’s holiday traditions from a tour guide amongst themselves. Our final stop was the Winter Village at Bryant Park, where we explored dozens of shops at the holiday market. It was the perfect holiday adventure from the beginning of the day till the end and it is definitely an activity that I recommend!”
Gingerbread House Making
Creating your own gingerbread house is an essential activity to do during Christmas time. Places such as Target or ShopRite will definitely have gingerbread house kits, and they come with everything you would need. This is a great activity because you can get super creative with all the decorations and candy! This is the perfect time to catch up with your family or friends. It is a nice and chill experience that is the perfect balance of staying home and being warm, but still fulfilling your Christmas spirit. You can make it a competition against who can create the most unique and detailed gingerbread, or you can keep it relaxed. The best part of all is that you get to eat your creation after!
Making Hot Chocolate and Baking Cookies
Two of the best ways to spend the holidays are to make hot chocolate and bake cookies. Whether you are baking them for Santa, your family, or yourself, there is nothing better than the smell of freshly baked cookies. The fun is increased by decorating your creations with frosting and tasty toppings! The best holiday experience is created by serving these goodies with a warm mug of hot chocolate that is garnished with marshmallows and whipped cream.
Speaking of hot chocolate, Sophia and her dad went to the Giants vs Ravens game last Sunday: “As we walked to the gates, the wind blew across the parking lot, and by the time we got to our seats, the cold was already starting to get through our jackets. Although everyone, including my dad and myself were very excited about the game, it was very difficult to concentrate on anything but the cold. My dad had asked me if I wanted to warm up with something halfway through the first quarter. It was a VERY warm relief to see the hot cups of hot chocolate when we arrived at one of the snack stands. As I took my first sip, I felt the warmth of the drink poured right into my body. And with the warm drink keeping us warm, I got to experience one of my favorite games in the stadium.”
Watching Christmas-Themed Movies
Another one of the greatest ways to completely enjoy the festive atmosphere of the winter season is to watch Christmas themed movies over the break. Winter is the perfect season to stay inside, relax, and enjoy some holiday favorites. Whether it’s through the heartfelt movies of love and family or the nostalgic memory of the past, these movies have a unique way of bringing happiness and warmth to audiences, giving you that Christmas spirit. In addition, films like Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Polar Express, The Night Before Christmas, Home Alone, and Christmas Chronicles encourage you to consider the real importance of the holiday, whether it’s the value of giving, spending time with family, or discovering the joy of the little things. Watching these movies, including their festive music and beautiful settings, can also be a wonderful opportunity to strengthen relationships with loved ones and create many memories.
Decorating the House and the Tree
A good way to get into the holiday spirit and create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home is to decorate your house and Christmas tree. Every Christmas tree and house is decorated differently since this activity allows everyone to let their creativity run wild.
Yarden and her cousins decided to get the house and tree ready for Christmas during their sleepover: “We started by hanging lights around the house and adding them in the tree with ornaments of all sizes, ribbons, and even a little glitter. Then, the most important, was the star on top that my dad helped us put as the final touch. Then, we hung flowers around the house and at the front entrance. Because we wanted to add a cozy setting, my siblings and I filled bowls with pine cones and colorful ornaments and burned some scented candles. But we felt like something else was missing, so we decided to create snowflakes and we hung them on the ceilings and walls. After we were done with that, I placed some warm blankets on the couch.”
There are many ways during the holidays to make treasured memories with loved ones. There is something unique for everyone to experience this holiday season, whether you are resting with a cup of hot chocolate and watching a holiday film, or you are baking, decorating, or strolling around the streets of New York City. Because these activities create joy, warmth, and a deep sense of connection, the holidays truly embody the spirit of celebration at its fullest. So why not give one, or all of them, a try over the holiday break and make your own priceless, lifelong memories with YOUR own personal way to enjoy the holiday?
