So, now that the fall semester has come to a close, we all have a beautiful month off of school. Most of us will work and visit with friends and family. But, why just hang out when you can make this break extra special? Here's a list of fun ideas to help you have fun and make the most of a well deserved month long break.

1. Ice skating

Okay now, ice skating may not be for everyone. I understand. Personally, I was not gifted the athleticism that many were, but ice skating is still fun! Just dress warm and bring some friends for the ride, you can all fall on each other! Not only will you have your besties by your side in case you lose your balance, but you'll also have a blast!

2. Baking cookies

This is something that literally everyone will have a blast doing! There are endless types of cookies and endless delicious recipes to choose from! Baking with family and friends can be a good time in itself! But, just think about how fun it'll be to have a movie party with some hot chocolate or tea, and fresh and warm chocolate chip cookies. You can bake enough just to eat or bake extra to save and enjoy during the duration of the break! Who says you can't make cookies more than once this break? Nobody does. So have fun, and eat up!

3. Shopping

Shopping is probably my favorite thing to do, no shame here. But, especially after the holidays, shopping is a very big 'to do' over the winter break. The day after Christmas is probably the biggest return day nationwide in most retailers. Don't like the scarf Aunt Becky got you? Not a problem, exchanging it for a cuter one is super easy and fun if you bring your friends with you! I know that I can't wait to do some shopping once the holidays are over.

4. New York City

Personally, a trip to NYC always cures the boredom and creates a super fun day for both myself and my friends. There are so many things to do in the city. Shopping is the best you'll ever find it. Super affordable stores and trendy high-end stores fill the streets and make for the best shopping experience. Not into shopping? Understandable. There are always Broadway shows you can look into, and tons of concerts happen there every day. Why not see if you can get your hands on some tickets? Or, a day wandering through museums and into some nice cafes could do the trick as well! Whatever you like to do, you can almost always find it in New York City!

5. Spending time with Family

What better time to spend quality time with family than winter break? First, we have the holidays and then a few weeks of leisure time. Why not reach out to and try to reconnect with that cousin you haven't seen in years? It'll be a great time for you to reunite and spend some great time together. You should always try to spend as much time with family as you can!

6. Take a Road Trip

Are you tired of the cold New York weather? Pack a suitcase and throw it in the car, get in and drive down south until you feel like stopping! No need to preplan or spend thousands. There's so much you can do on a budget for a few days! Enjoy your time off taking in some sun rays instead of shoveling your driveway! Or, if you're into the whole snow thing, take a weekend trip upstate or up the coast to one of the several skiing mountains. Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and warm cozy cottages could easily be a part of your winter break!

7. Coffee Shop Hop

If there's one thing that I love it's a good cup of coffee. Now I'm not talking your average Starbucks, although there's absolutely nothing wrong with SBucks. But, Long Island is home to some phenomenal coffee shops with great drinks and some really cozy vibes. To name a few the Roast in Patchogue, the Bayshore Bean in Bayshore, and the Witches Brew in Hempstead. If you feel like having a rather peaceful and pleasant day, grab a good book and head to a local cafe! The coffee is bound to be great and the atmosphere you can expect to be cozy as can be!

8. Volunteer your Time

Finally, what better time to volunteer for a local charity than on winter break? With your schedule freed up, you should consider taking the time to help others in need. You could volunteer at a local soup kitchen, collect supplies and necessities for those in shelters or you could simply spend time with some elders at a nursing home. If that's not really your thing, animal shelters can always use volunteers and donations in monetary and supply form! Whether you help a neighbor in need or a homeless pup, your time is valuable and your help is always appreciated. In a world where so many of us are so fortunate, we should always aim to help those less fortunate than us. As a human race, we owe it to each other to help in times of need. So, do something helpful this winter break!

No matter how long your break is there is always something fun around that you can do! Have your friends and your family join you on your adventures and have a blast together! Make the most of the time you have off and spend it making memories with the ones you love! Enjoy break and rest up, next semester will be here before you know it!