It’s mid-November, and to me and many others, that means the holiday season is upon us. Well, actually, Red Cup Day at Starbucks usually signifies the holidays. From baking with your mom to copious amounts of family time, and from dinners to gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate, the holidays are packed with so many traditions and things to do. While the winter holidays may bring the blisteringly cold and exam season for university students, I’d say most people can enjoy a little bit of winter and holiday cheer. So, in honour of Red Cup Day that just passed, here are my recommendations for what to do during the winter holidays, which can be fun, relaxing and get your holiday cheer on!
1. Decorating your Space
Holiday decor is super sweet. Whether it’s our Jewish bubby’s dreidel garland, a Christmas tree or holiday decor of any other culture, decorating your house or room for the holidays can be such a fun way to spend time with loved ones, just listening to music and getting your decor on. I find it to be such a cute tradition that showcases all the fun that different cultures have to offer during the holiday season. Some of my favourite ways to decorate my room that are super easy include holiday lights and holiday-scented candles (pine is my favourite!). Another favourite I’ve seen is the mini Christmas trees that sit on tables if you celebrate Christmas or just enjoy the decor, which is just adorable.
2. Winter Sports
Winter holidays often come with a day or two off work or school, and not all of that time is spent directly celebrating the holiday in question. If you’re a college student going back home for a week or so, you’ll want to spend a bit of time outside of the house.
One of my favourite ways to do that is planning a day out with family or friends, enjoying your favourite winter sport! My personal favourite is downhill skiing, so I love planning a ski day with hometown friends that I haven’t seen in a while. Skiing, snowboarding, going skating at your local outdoor rink, or even just going for a walk in the winter is an active and enjoyable way to spend your free time during the holidays.
We often don’t get outside as much as we’d like to in the winter given the limited hours of daylight and cold weather, so why not enjoy some winter sports as a way to get out?
3. Christmas markets
Christmas markets are just too much fun. They remind me of childhood, have yummy holiday treats, and are one of the only things that’ll make you want to bundle up in 5 layers (Canada, am I right?) and get outside on a cold day. If there is any holiday or winter activity I would suggest, my top choice is a Christmas market (sorry, skiing). Try to find a Christmas market in your college or hometown, it’s the kind of activity you could do with all of your roommates, or your Grandma. And if you happen to go to Montreal this Christmas (my hometown) the Atwater Christmas Market is stunning!
4. treating yourself
Finally, be gentle about your normal routine for a week or two around the holiday season. Let yourself enjoy your Mom’s cookies, try that peppermint latte or enjoy a holiday meal with your family. Enjoying the occasional treat and making holiday memories are worth so much more than sticking to a strict regime or schedule 365 days a year.
If I can give any word of advice for enjoying the holidays, I would say to spend time with those you love and try to unwind and recharge. It is supposed to be a joyful time, but we often stress ourselves out or get overwhelmed during the holidays. Do what you need to enjoy the holidays, whether or not it includes skiing or going to a Christmas market.