If anyone has a family like mine, the holidays can be stressful as we all prepare for family visiting the house. This consists of deep cleaning the entire house (as if guests are going to be checking for dust), stressful grocery shopping as everyone and their mother are grabbing their favorite holiday treats, and most of all, spending all day in the small, hot kitchen preparing for Christmas dinner.
I’ve spent my share of Christmas in my house and other places. I’m not saying that they’re any better but, in my experience, my socially awkward self loves to spend Christmas Eve and the awaited day in my own home, without a schedule, and playing video games in my room. Of course, this isn’t usually the case, I’ve only gotten away with it once and for a small amount of time but technically speaking, the holiday season is about spending time with family and friends (mostly family).
So, if anyone’s looking for fun things to do over the two-week break, I’ve compiled a list of ideas for celebrating the season in the safety of your home.
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Decorating sugar cookies: While sugar cookies don’t taste good all the time, decorating these circles of sugar and flour is a much better experience than eating them unless, of course, you’re into biting into piles of different textured sugar. But of course, that doesn’t matter that much, ‘tis the season for diabetes.
Building a gingerbread house: If you’re like my family, then the “gingerbread house” may be constructed with graham crackers and hot glue and covered with frosting and sweet candies. But if you’re normal then this may be a very fun and sweet treat to make to celebrate the holiday season. But don’t worry if it looks repulsive! It’ll sure taste delicious!
Building Ornaments: Pinterest and Youtube are great options to get inspiration for ornaments to build. This can be a great way to bond with friends and family while allowing one’s creative side to run free.
Baking: One of my favorite activities to do not just during the holidays, but year round. Nothing beats pulling out the family recipes and creating a delicious treat to share with family, friends, and the neighbors. I would highly recommend baking peanut butter cookies (if you don’t have a peanut allergy), chocolate-covered pretzels, brownies, and the classic chocolate chip cookies to leave out for Santa Clause!
Friendsmas: This is a tradition between my friends and me, we go to one of our houses and exchange gifts. Ideas for the gift exchange could be a Secret Santa, $20 or under, purchasing each other non-purposeful gifts or you can be nice and purchase gifts for each other things they would like and use. Then the group can do a Christmas activity like looking at decorated houses, building gingerbread houses, and baking treats, anything that gives a bonding opportunity.
Drinking Champagne for New Years: JUST KIDDING, unless you’re of age this is not an acceptable way to celebrate 2025. Instead, you can choose a different drink like hot chocolate or sparkling cider to celebrate the new year. Remember to make your new year goals that will be disregarded a week into January!
Going to the Botanical Gardens: This event is a celebration of the famous Mr. Blue House after Marc Andrew Cadez, mostly known as Mr. Blue, sadly passed away April 15, 2019. After his death, the lights were put up until the house was eventually bought. The profits gained from the lighting will go to support Strive as they continue on their mission to give people with disabilities an opportunity to get jobs and get paid. An adult ticket costs $10, and a family group costs $25 for a walk through.
This list will give you all the ideas for what you can do while you enjoy the holiday season and take a break from school or work. Good luck!