1. Binge watch Christmas movies
I do this every year. Some of my family’s favorites include “The Family Stone,” “Elf” (perhaps the best Christmas movie ever?), “The Grinch,” “The Santa Claus,” and “Home Alone.”
Also watch: “Love Actually,” “A Christmas Story” (classic), “The Polar Express,” “The Holiday,” “Christmas with the Kranks,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” (its debatable whether or not this is actually a Christmas movie, or a Halloween movie—it’s up to you), and “It’s a Wonderful Life” (another classic).
2. Make a Christmas-themed cocktail
Last year I made “Santa’s Little Helper” (bourbon, cinnamon, cloves, cranberries, triple sec, 7-up—recipe can be found here.)
Looking for something simpler? Add an easy, festive touch to drinks by using fruit and herb-infused ice cubes. Simply fill your ice cube trays with berries, rosemary sprigs, or mint leaves.
Also try: Hot chocolate spiked with Peppermint schnapps (don’t forget the candy canes).
3. Visit New York City (if you live close enough)
New York City during the holidays is truly magical, and if you live close enough it’s definitely worth a visit. Make a day of it by going out to a nice brunch, “window shopping” in fancy stores, ice skating in the park, and of course, visiting the tree at Rockefeller Center.
Fun fact: My grandmother is friends with the family whose tree was chosen as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2002 (the tree came from Bloomsbury, NJ where my grandmother lives).
4. Make Christmas cookies with your siblings or other family members
This is a family tradition in my household. Gingerbread cookies are obviously a classic, but sugar cookies are a good choice too. Even if your decorating skills aren’t Martha Stewart-worthy, it’s still a fun family activity (and it’s also very entertaining to make fun of each other’s creations).
5. Volunteer/help others in need
When I was younger, something I looked forward to the most during the holiday season was putting together a gift box for a child in need. My church has a giving tree each year, and I always prayed that I got a girl my age so that I could buy her all of the things I knew she would love. It’s easy to get caught up in your own life, but helping others really does make you feel happy, and it also sheds light on how lucky you are. While you’re complaining because your parents didn’t get you the latest iPhone, there’s a child in the world who would kill for just one gift on Christmas. Try to remember that.
Things to do: Giving tree; donate clothes, food, or money to those in need; work at a soup kitchen; volunteer at a local hospital or children’s hospital.
6. Catch up with high school friends
This is the longest time you’ll all be home other than summer, so make the most of it! Even if you think that you’re no longer as close with some of your high school friends, you’ll be surprised at how things pick right back up, and even if some things have changed, sometimes that’s actually for the better. Throw a holiday reunion party, catch a movie together, or go shopping. You’ll be happy you did.
7. Listen to these catchy Christmas songs:
Ariana Grande, “Santa Tell Me” and “Santa Baby” featuring Liz Gillies
George Michael, “Last Christmas” (I’ve listened to other covers and he still sings it the best)
Mariah Carey, “All I Want For Christmas is You”
Just for kicks: “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber (watch the music video too) and “Drummer Boy” ft. Busta Rhymes (yes it actually has Busta Rhymes in it)
8. On Christmas day, leave your phone alone for a little bit
An experience that still sticks out in my mind is when I first got Instagram and one of my family friends commented on New Year’s, “How’s Instagram New Year’s, Meghan? Better than real New Year’s?”
I know it’s tempting to check your phone because you want to know how all of your friends’ Christmas experiences are going, but try not to be too attached to it, or you’ll miss out on the actual experience of Christmas itself. Send the “Merry Christmas” texts to your friends, post a Snapchat story or two and maybe gram a picture, but spend the majority of your time talking to friends and family members (and eating and drinking obviously).
