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10 Things to Do With Friends, Family, and Others Over the Holidays

Holidays got you stressed? Here some fun things to do to get that spirit going!

Dec 04, 2018

10 Things to Do With Friends, Family, and Others Over the Holidays

The holidays. No matter what you celebrate, there will come a time during this month where you will feel beyond stressed. Whether it be work, school, shopping, family, or whatever, there will be a huge ball of stress coming your way. That's okay though! EVERYONE feels that way sooner or later. It comes with the holiday season. Today I want to share with you some of my "favorite things" (Christmas song pun intended) that I enjoy doing over the holidays to make this time of year even more special. So without further ado, here are my top 10 activities I like to take part in during the holiday season.

1. Watch Christmas Movies

The amount of Christmas movies I have watched in the past two weeks is ridiculous, but it is so much fun. I watch Elf so many times during this time of year because Christmas/Holiday movies always cheer me up. Just sitting down with a few friends with some snacks and blankets is very relaxing and always a great activity to do. You just sit back, quote the movie, laugh with your loved ones, and everyone is happy. Christmas movies are ALWAYS a move.

2. Bake/Eat Cookies

So my mom always bakes cookies during Christmas time, and she just sent up 10 boxes of different kinds of cookies to share with my friends. They. Are. Delicious. Nothing tastes better than a nice chocolate chip cookie and a snickerdoodle. Whether you eat them or bake them, nobody is able to turn down some amazing cookies made with love. Thanks mom.

3. Jam to Christmas Music

My absolute FAVORITE thing to do during the holidays. Driving in the car? Christmas music. Chilling in the dorm on a Saturday night? Christmas music. Walking to class? Christmas music. Nothing gets me more pumped up than some Michael Bublé holiday music. It really brings the holiday cheer around, and it gets people going. Always a great way to get a party going in my opinion.

4. Play in the Snow

Last year I played football in this big snow storm with some of my friends and it was the best time we ever had. Tackling each other as hard as we can because the snow will protect us from breaking a bone. Even just throwing snowballs at one another or going down a big hill with a plastic sled, it is such a great time (and a great work out). You are NEVER too old to play in the snow my friends.

5. Hot Cocoa and a Fire

Yeah okay, maybe this is very Tumblr-ish and cliche, but how can you NOT do this?

6. Sleep in

When you are on Christmas break or if you have the day off from work, sleep in. Get snuggled up under your blankets and just relax! Nobody is rushing you to do anything. Take a morning for yourself and treat yourself. You'll never know what it is like unless you try it.

7. Go Shopping (For yourself AND others)

Christmas shopping is VERY stressful, but sometimes you just have to go to the mall with some friends and walk around. You'll never know where you end up or what you end up buying. Also, if you are gift shopping for friends, don't stress yourself out trying to find the greatest gift of all. Even the littlest things can make the heart so warm of a loved one. It is the thought that counts, NOT the price tag.

8. Secret Santa

Secret Santa is so much fun. My floor is taking part in it this year and our limit was $10. Some people like to go full out, others like to do jokes, and others like to go the small thoughtful route. Even if you don't know your Secret Santa that well, you can always find something nice that will make their day so much more special. Get a group of friends or family members and consider doing a Secret Santa this year. It is a very fun, yet suspenseful game.

9. Decorate SOMETHING

Decorating your house, room, or whatever you choose to decorate makes everything around you feel so much more alive. Living in my dorm the past week with all these Christmas lights up makes me feel like I am at home in my room. It creates a very calm and cozy aura for everyone. All of my friends have told my roommate and I how relaxing our room is when all the lights are on. Try putting up a string of lights or even a small Christmas tree to liven things up around you. It could really change your mood for the better.

10. Be With Those You Love

In the end, it all comes to being with those you care about most during the holiday season. People come and go, but during this time of year you really see those that mean the most to you in your life. Be there for your friends and family and make time for them. Not just during this season, but always. Show them that you care and how much they mean to you. Family and friends is what makes the holidays so special.

Really hope this sparks some ideas for anyone reading this. It's the holiday season which means it is time to have some fun! Go grab some eggnog and put on Home Alone, and start this time of year out right.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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10 Things to Do With Friends, Family, and Others Over the Holidays

Holidays got you stressed? Here some fun things to do to get that spirit going!

1. Watch Christmas Movies

2. Bake/Eat Cookies

3. Jam to Christmas Music

4. Play in the Snow

5. Hot Cocoa and a Fire

6. Sleep in

7. Go Shopping (For yourself AND others)

8. Secret Santa

9. Decorate SOMETHING

10. Be With Those You Love

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7. Absolutely Anything (Robin William's Last Movie)