Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for multiple reasons. It's the time of year when you spend the most time with your family and eat your body weight in Christmas cookies. As a kid, there was nothing better than Christmas day. You'd wake up early, open your toys, and play with them all day. Now, as a college student, there isn't really a way you can open up the dishes your parents got for your apartment next year and play with them, so you're left with a full day of possibilities. This year, instead of sitting in your pajamas all day and trying to binge-watch an entire season of "Parks and Recreation," here are a few options that require you to shower and put on a real pair of pants (or not).
1. Run a 5K
A 5K on Christmas day after you've probably eaten more food than imaginable can sound daunting. However, Charities Challenge hosts this event at Lake Como in St. Paul, and you're not even required to run! Families and walkers are always welcomed, but runners are the most abundant group at the event.
2. Go to a movie
Everyone loves a good movie, right? Or are you just there for the movie theater popcorn? It truly could be both. It's hard to not want to skip the Christmas day festivities and opt for a movie instead when there are so many good ones coming out! It's okay to eat cookies, popcorn, and a full Christmas dinner all in one day, as long as you make your New Year's resolution to never do it again.
3. Volunteer
If you aren't doing anything already, a better way to spend your time is by volunteering. There are a ton of places in and around the Twin Cities that need volunteers, especially around the holidays. Giving back is a great way to get in the holiday spirit and make you grateful for the holiday feast you get to go home to.
4. Go ice skating
In Minneapolis, the Depot is open for ice skating from noon to 9 p.m. If going into the city doesn't sound like something you want to attempt, plenty of other local rinks should be open for skating, too. Checking in with your local rink never hurts. Personally, I'd head to the Depot because it's cold, but at least it isn't outside.
5. Go snowboarding or skiing
It's Christmas day, so it's only fitting that you do a winter activity while you wait for Christmas dinner. Afton Alps is open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Christmas day. Buck Hill in Burnsville is also open from 9 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Many other places around the metro and surrounding areas are open Christmas day. As an added bonus, many of these places also offer tubing, if you have trouble balancing on a board or skis.
