Congratulations, Shockers, for surviving a pandemic-riddled semester. Now sit back, relax and enjoy winter break.
Are you done yet? If you are like me, the time it takes for relaxation to reach equilibrium is equivalent to how long it takes Marv and Harry to run into one of Kevin’s traps in “Home Alone”: not very long.
Winter break is 49 days long. How should you spend it? Should you make snow angels for two hours, eat a whole roll of Toll House cookie dough as fast as you can and then snuggle? If the answer is yes, you may be related to Buddy the Elf.
For the rest of us, I present to you 10 winter activities you can do during the break.
1. Go caroling.
Caroling is a great way to spread holiday cheer. Get together with a group of friends and go door-to-door singing about the season. You can even bust out my favorite rendition of “Jingle Bells”:
Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
Robin laid an egg
The Batmobile lost a wheel
And the joker got away, hey!
2. Enjoy holiday traditions.
There are many holidays to enjoy during December, and each has its own unique traditions. Light a Menorah for Hanukkah, enjoy a Kwanzaa feast, or attend a Christmas church service.
3. Embrace the winter climate.
Winter weather provides prime conditions for snow. If you get enough of it, it can be an endless source of fun. Build a snowman using objects around the house, construct snow forts so you can defend yourself from the ensuing snowball fight, go sledding or try ice-skating on a lake. For the adventurous, try playing a summer or fall sport in the snow.
4. Get a Christmas tree.
Christmas trees are a staple of the holiday season. Winter would feel incomplete without them. Go visit a tree farm and find your perfect tree. If you are as lucky as the Griswolds, your perfect tree will be one surrounded by majestic music and yellow, sparkling light funneling from the sky. Once you have the tree, decorate it with your favorite ornaments.
5. Look at holiday lights.
Holiday lights are a sight to behold. The best displays sync lights with music, creating a beautiful light show or, in the case of Brad and Dusty from “Daddy’s Home 2,” a bitter rivalry that leads to a holiday lights duel. There are many great Christmas light displays in Wichita. You can locate them here. Grab some Judy's 1,200-Year-Old Hot Chocolate from “The Santa Clause,” comfy clothes and spend a night looking at holiday lights.
6. Write holiday greeting cards.
The holiday season gives us time to catch up with friends and family. Even when distance or a global pandemic prevents you from visiting, you can still connect with greeting cards. Use them to update and encourage. Tell them what year you are in college, your major and how much they mean to you. Many people don’t get holiday cards, and those who need them most get very few. The military, foster care and retirement homes are a good place to start. One card from a stranger can make a big difference.
7. Make holiday cookies.
What do all Hallmark holiday movies have in common? Well, a lot. But I’m referring to pastries. I kid you not, there is a Hallmark movie called “Christmas Cookies.” Making and eating Christmas pastries is a lot of fun. It builds community and encourages creativity. Check out Delish for some great cookie recipes.
8. Serve in the community.
We can all agree that Christmas is a season of giving. Giving isn’t limited to tangible things. You can give your time, effort, attention or talents. Spend some time giving to your local community by volunteering.
9. Host COVID-19 holiday-themed parties.
"Come out to the coast, we'll get together, have a few laughs..." at your friend's ugly sweater. Before you get together, check what local COVID-19 regulations say about gathering sizes. If you can’t have a party without putting your health in danger, try having a virtual party. Ugly sweater contests, white elephant gift exchanges or Secret Santa are several fun options. If you want more, check out Minted. If you are unable to host a party, you can make your neighbors (and any criminals stalking the area) think you are by rigging mannequins to strings and placing a life-sized Michael Jordan on a train track. If it worked for Kevin McCallister, it can for you.
10. Get Yourself an Elf on a Shelf.
This activity is best for families with younger kids, but it can be fun for adults. Try hiding the elf around the house and have the kids look for it. Then curl up around the fire and read from the book. For more ideas, look here. I am not a fan of mischievous, red-cheeked elves monitoring my every move. I’m afraid they will report me as naughty. Then I’ll have to spend Christmas Eve warding off Krampus with my Red Ryder gun, only to have a bullet ricochet off a metal pole and shoot my eye out. But don’t let MY paranoia stop you from enjoying the little elf.
Have a great winter break, Shockers. And merry Christmas, you filthy animals!
