‘Tis the season!! With Thanksgiving behind us, we’re now in full holiday mode.
Christmas music blasting in every store. The mall has now turned into a war zone, with customers fighting to get all the toys at the top of their kids’ Christmas lists. ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas. Starbucks’ annual lineup of holiday drinks, with every different combination of peppermint, mocha, and gingerbread flavors you could imagine- step aside Pumpkin Spice Latte your time has passed. The neighbors have already strung their houses in fluorescent lights and set out the same Christmas decorations they’ve used every year since 2000.
But most importantly, time with the family. School’s out and it’s time for some good ole’ family bonding.
Whether you celebrate the holidays at the beach or in the snowy mountains, here are 10 things to do with your family this holiday season as told by Buddy the El:
1. Christmas tree shopping
Some want the biggest, some like the smallest, and some like em in between. Christmas trees are kinda like families- they come in all shapes and sizes. It’s not the size that matters it’s what you put on them.
2. Decorating the house for the holiday
From driving through lighting displays, taking advantage of holiday deals, or going to see a big Christmas Tree downtown- utilize your city’s holiday events!3. Go shopping together
Another one of my favorites and I must say I’m pretty damn good at it. Shop for yourself, your fellow family members, and your friends. You know what they say, gotta give to receive! And Santa I swear I’ve been good this year, for the most part.
4. Bake
Number one on my list. Cookies, cupcakes, brownies- you name it and I’ll eat it. And maybe help bake it. At least watch my family bake it.
5. Go to local holiday events in your town
From driving through lighting displays, taking advantage of holiday deals, or going to see a big Christmas Tree downtown- utilize your city’s holiday events!
6. Watch a movie or television show together
Snuggle up on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn and find a good show or movie to watch. One Christmas my family watched an entire season of Breaking Bad, it made of a memorable Christmas, to say the least.
7. Do something for others
It could be as simple as baking cookies for the neighbors, visiting loved ones you haven’t seen in awhile, or something more significant like visiting a nursing home or serving at a soup kitchen. No good deed goes unpunished.
8. Play a game
Monopoly, Charades, Two Truths and a Lie, Cards Against Humanity, etc. Ever played a drinking game at a holiday fam din? Me neither but I’d be down.
9. Make a list of New Year’s resolutions for your family
It could be taking a trip somewhere new, creating new traditions, being more active as a family- goals that are fun and attainable for your family.
10. Be present
Enjoy each moment spent with your family this holiday season. Can’t live with them but surely can’t live without them- don’t take them for granted. You may not look forward to spending time with that crazy Uncle or cousin but they always make for good stories- maintain a positive outlook.
Now pour me some eggnog and meet me under the mistletoe!
