10 Things To Do This Winter Break

By Anna Yiannikos, Natalie Seiler, and Sydney Rohrbough, Staff Photographers

// Stuck at home for the holidays? Have no fear—here are 10 things to keep you busy this winter season.

Make your own ornament

   To put a fun spin on your Christmas tree this year, make your own ornaments! With a few paint brushes, festive paint, and glitter, your tree can be even more personalized to your unique, holiday style.

 

 

Organize a Secret Santa gift exchange

   Secret Santa is always an exciting activity during the holiday season. Draw names from a hat, set a price, and let the shopping begin. The only catch—you can’t reveal your identity to gift recipients.

Have a gingerbread decorating party

   Decorating gingerbread houses is a great way to spend time with friends and family over the winter break. The best part is that when you’re done, you can eat them!

 

 

Donate

   The holidays are all about giving. This holiday season, find time to volunteer or drop canned food off at your local shelter.

 

 

Host an ugly Christmas/holiday sweater contest

   Hosting an ugly Christmas sweater contest with your friends is always an enjoyable activity. Have everyone show up in their favorite holiday sweater, make a competition of it, and spend time with loved ones.

 

 

Make hot chocolate and watch movies with friends

   Grab some warm blankets, stir the hot chocolate, and snuggle up with your friends to watch some festive movies. For Netflix holiday films, read the Blueprint article, “The Best and Worst of Netflix Holiday Films, Ranked.” (https://acalanesblueprint.com/2018/12/21/the-best-and-worst-of-netflix-holiday-films-ranked/) 

 

 

Decorate a Christmas tree

   There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to decorate your tree. Pull the ornaments down from the attic, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the fun of putting up all of the decorations together.

Bake some holiday cookies

   Whether it’s for Hanukkah, Christmas, or just for fun, baking and decorating cookies is a delightful and delicious way to spend your holidays. You can even grab some friends and share with them too.

 

 

Play a board game

   If you need something easy and entertaining, pick out a board game to play with your friends and family. We suggest classics like Monopoly or Life.

 

 

Visit Fourth Street in Berkeley

   If you’re in need of some last minute gifts, or just want to view some festive decorations, Fourth Street is the place to visit. There are lights, cookie decorating competitions, and live music.

 

With these activities to keep you preoccupied, you’re sure to have a festive holiday season and a happy New Year.