Winter Wonderland: Fun and Productive Activities to Embrace December

Winter has arrived, and with it comes the holiday season, filled with festive decorations, grocery shopping, and gift-giving. In those rare moments of relaxation, it’s essential to make the most of your time, enjoying activities that resonate with you and your family. If you have school-aged kids, the winter break provides an excellent opportunity to engage them in safe and enjoyable winter activities.

Plan a Wintry Getaway: The cold, dark, and bustling winter months may have you yearning for a warm escape. Consider a long weekend getaway to a sunny destination to rejuvenate your spirits. If you’re adventurous, explore cool options for those who enjoy wintry landscapes.

Decorate Cookies: Get creative in the kitchen by decorating cookies. Whether you choose to engage in this delightful December activity with friends or children, it’s bound to be a fun-filled experience. Start with simple sugar cookies or opt for festive gingerbread shapes, providing colorful icing, sprinkles, and candies to enhance your creations.

Complete Last-Minute Holiday Shopping: Don’t wait until mid-December to embark on your holiday gift shopping journey. Ensure that everyone on your list receives thoughtful presents by starting your shopping now. If you’re unsure about gift ideas, peruse inspiring gift guides for inspiration.

Select a Christmas Tree: Embrace the festive spirit by heading to a local Christmas tree farm, nursery, or hardware store to handpick your holiday centerpiece. If space is a concern, consider alternative Christmas tree options that can fit perfectly into cozier living spaces.

Organize a Cookie Exchange: Hosting a cookie exchange is a quintessential December activity that brings friends and neighbors together in the spirit of baked treats. Encourage participants to prepare their favorite baked goods and organize a cookie exchange event for a delightful social gathering.

Whip Up Winter Drinks: Gather a few friends for a delightful winter cocktail-making session. Create classic seasonal beverages, whether they are alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Experiment with recipes like spiked hot apple cider, traditional hot toddies, mulled wine, Mexican hot chocolate, eggnog, and spicy chai lattes for a cozy and flavorful experience.

Embrace the Outdoors: Embrace the concept of “friluftsliv,” inspired by Scandinavian culture, which translates to “free air life.” Regardless of your location or preferred level of activity, take advantage of December’s cold and snowy weather to engage in outdoor activities. Try ice skating, sledding, skiing, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, tubing, or snowshoeing. Even a leisurely walk around your neighborhood or a bundled-up backyard picnic can be invigorating in December.

Donate Old Winter Gear: Declutter your closets by searching for gently used coats, jackets, vests, and winter gear that you can donate to those in need. Consider donating these items through work, a place of worship, or a local coat drive. Donating winter gear is particularly essential during this time to help individuals stay warm.

Give Away Old Toys: Extend your generosity by donating toys during the holiday season. Identify toys like trucks, stuffed animals, dolls, and sports equipment that you and your family no longer use but are still in good condition. These items can find a new home where they will be genuinely appreciated.

Volunteer at a Local Organization: Join forces with friends and dedicate a few hours on a weekend to volunteer at a local charity or organization. Explore opportunities to serve meals, organize donations, or assist with cleanup. Check with local shelters, soup kitchens, daycares, and clothing drives to see if they are in need of volunteers, especially during the winter months and the holiday season.

DIY Christmas Decorations: Get into the festive spirit by crafting your own Christmas decorations. Gather your family for a cozy afternoon filled with holiday music, hot cocoa, and creative DIY projects. Create homemade ornaments or craft charming pinecone place cards to add a personal touch to your holiday decor.

Admire Neighborhood Lights and Decorations: Take a leisurely stroll or drive through your neighborhood with your kids to appreciate the festive displays of Hanukkah and Christmas decorations. Discover if there’s a designated street in your town known for its dazzling lights, trees, wreaths, candles, and other seasonal installations.

Play in the Snow: If you’re fortunate to have a layer of snow in your area, embrace the winter wonderland. Build a cheerful snowman, engage in snowball fights, make snow angels, or organize fun games like touch football or capture the flag in the snow.

Reflect on Last Year’s Resolutions: As the year draws to a close, take a moment to revisit the goals, resolutions, or intentions you set last December or January. Identify any unfinished goals and consider if there’s still time to accomplish them. Acknowledge and congratulate yourself for the achievements and commitments you’ve upheld throughout the year.

Make New Year’s Resolutions: Start contemplating your New Year’s resolutions for the upcoming year. Reflect on aspirations such as initiating a new exercise routine, pursuing a significant career advancement, exploring meditation, or maintaining better connections with friends and loved ones. Set your intentions for the coming year to turn these aspirations into reality.

Decorate Gingerbread: Gingerbread houses are a delightful holiday tradition that the entire family can partake in. Dedicate an afternoon to embellishing gingerbread houses with intricate designs using piped icing, chocolates, candy canes, gumdrops, and other sweet adornments.

Watch Holiday Movies: ‘Tis the season for heartwarming holiday movies that bring joy to your heart. Tune in to classic films airing on cable TV, or stream your favorite holiday movies, including a selection of new Netflix original releases.

Make a Budget: While it may not be the most exciting activity, the end of one year and the beginning of another provides an ideal opportunity to assess your personal finances and establish financial objectives. Whether you’re managing your finances independently or collaborating with a partner, engage in an open conversation about spending habits, savings, budgeting, and your financial aspirations for the upcoming year. Once you’ve tackled this task, reward yourself with a glass of red wine and enjoy a Home Alone movie marathon.