For some of us, Christmas break ends too soon. For others, it can't end fast enough. Whether you need to get out of the house and escape your family by passing the time or you want to savor every moment, here are some ideas to make your Christmas break worth remembering!
1. Festival of lights.
In my hometown, we have the "Festival of Lights," which is an entire park decorated with scenes created with lights that thousands of people can drive through. This occurs nightly from Nov. 21 to Jan. 3. Even if you don't live in the Winston-Salem area, I have it on good authority that there's some sort of light spectacle in almost any place. If you can't find a specific light event to go to, it's always fun to just drive around and look at people's Christmas decorations on their homes too!
2. Ice skating.
Whether you go to a rink with your friends, on a date or skate on a frozen lake near your house, ice skating is a holiday tradition that shouldn't be missed. An indoor rink is never as cold as the outdoors, and skating is such a fun way to exercise!
3. Watch Christmas movies.
Whether you're like me and opt for the comedy classics like "Elf," or you prefer an older emotional classic like "It's A Wonderful Life," you can't go wrong cuddling up around the fire with some popcorn and some Christmas cheer.
4. Christmas parade.
This one is definitely on my personal to-do list this holiday season. I've never actually been to a Christmas parade, but I hear a lot of small towns have a parade.
5. Visit Santa in the mall.
I am confident that every mall has a Santa, and maybe you'll be lucky and he will be a nice old man instead of a weird guy who is desperate for money. Sure, most of us are too old to actually sit on Santa's lap, but maybe you know some children you could take to fulfill their Christmas dreams.
6. Ugly sweater party.
Hit up Goodwill or reap the rewards of tacky grandma's donations. Then throw a party with your friends, make it a competition and give a prize for the ugliest sweater.
7. Love Feast, candle tea and religious traditions.
In my neck of the woods, there are a lot of Moravian churches. Because of this, there is always a Love Feast to attend. I swear to you the buns and coffee at the Love Feast are out of this world; I had no idea what I was missing before last year when I attended my first Love Feast.
8. Caroling.
If you're brave, get some friends together and go door-to-door singing to your neighbors. If you're hesitant to sing to people you know, give back to the community by going caroling at an orphanage, the Children's Hospital or a senior citizen's living facility. They don't care if you're terribly off-key, they are just thankful you cared enough about them to come spread Christmas cheer.
9. Christmas pajamas.
Just trust me, you do need those pajamas that you'll only wear one day. Or get some winter pajamas you can at least wear for one season. Pajamas are just so wonderful.
10. "The Nutcracker"
I am fortunate that my city has the School of the Arts which puts on an amazing rendition of the "Nutcracker" ballet. It's basically a requirement of Christmas time to at least listen to Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker" music.
Whatever activities you and your family choose to do this holiday season, remember to cherish the time you have with friends and family. And remember the reason for the season is peace and love!
