As the chaos of finals week rages on, we eagerly check off the days on our calendars until we can pack our bags and hit the road to head home for the holiday season. But as a senior, this impending winter break means so much more to me than any others as it will be my last winter break ever, for next year I will be entering into this scary new place we call the “real world.” Although the thought of break is a little scary, I’ve decided to create a winter break bucket list to make the most of my last break.
The Christmas pickle
Does your family have a Christmas pickle? In this old tradition, someone hides a pickle (no worries, you can buy a pickle ornament!) in the tree. Everyone who is participating starts looking for the hidden pickle at the same time. Whoever discovers the pickle first wins a special prize!
Christmas Lights
This family in Brockton, PA always puts on a nice display of lights!
Take time to enjoy the little things this holiday season. So many people put a lot of effort into decorating their houses for the holidays, so why not take the time to appreciate it?!
Watch Christmas movies
How many times have you watched “Elf” or “Home Alone?” These classics will never get old! You are sure to find Christmas movies all over TV during this time of year.
Find the perfect tree
How much time do you really get to spend bonding with your family? Take a day to wander out into a tree field and pick the perfect tree for your home!
String popcorn
Now that you have the perfect tree, how are you going to decorate it? My family strings popcorn with cranberries every year. It’s also very enjoyable to watch Christmas movies or listen to music while you're doing it to get into the holiday spirit!
Christmas shopping
Everyone ends up Christmas shopping at some point during the holiday season. Make it fun and bring along a friend or family member.
My brother and I team up to buy Christmas gifts for some family members.Bake Christmas cookies
Get in the spirit by turning on your oven and pulling out the cookie sheets! There’s no better time to bake than the holiday season, and it can help to bring your family closer together.
Send Christmas cards
With everyone caught up in technology, people often forget that mail still exists. How nice would it be to receive a hand written note? Consider sending a Christmas card to an old friend. They’ll appreciate the thought!
Make hot chocolate
How many times have you actually made hot chocolate from scratch? This holiday season, why not try to make some of your own! Add a candy cane to it for some festive flavoring.
Go see a holiday show
Whether it be the Radio City Christmas Spectacular or your local ballet's rendition of "The Nutcracker," check out a performance this season to get in the holiday spirit! Also, it's a nice break from the chaos of the holidays.
Ice Skating
I might not be very good, but ice skating is always a fun time! I recommend going with someone who knows what they're doing! One of my favorite places to ice skate is at Rockefeller Center in New York City.
