13 Fun Activities to Do Over the Winter Break

Personal Growth

December 17, 2021

With Winter Break very closely approaching, we will all have lots of time on our hands to stay in the present and enjoy the holidays. But, with minimal homework and tasks to complete, thinking of activities to do over break can be difficult. I know that I am always stuck when it comes to brainstorming about exciting and fun activities to do. Here are ten activities that will provide you with a relaxing break.

Challenge Yourself To Bake A New, Small Treat Every Day

Not everyone loves to spend hours baking an intricate recipe in the kitchen, but baking over Winter Break is a must. Whether you decide to take on a complicated recipe or a recipe that only calls for a few ingredients, baking is a great way to spend your time. Making a decadent cake or some delicious cookies will both be enjoyable for you and your families.

Bing-Watch Holiday Movies

There's nothing more enjoyable around the holidays than binge-watching movies. Wrap yourself in a blanket, grab some snacks and treats, and watch any movie, holiday-themed or not. Though holiday movies tend to be cheesy and full of cliches, they are always part of my Winter Break.

Decorate Your Own Ornaments

Every year during the holidays, my family and I decorate our own ornaments to hang on our Christmas tree. You may think that decorating ornaments requires dozens of different materials; however, you can decorate ornaments with a few simple materials. At most arts and crafts stores, kits are also available for decorating ornaments. Decorating ornaments with family and friends while listening to some holiday music is the perfect activity to do during the holidays.

Decorate Your House

On the note of decorating your own ornaments, decorating your house is such a fun, relaxing activity. You can hang decorations such as wreaths, lights, stockings, and even outdoor holiday decor. No matter what decorations you have on hand, spend time getting your house ready for the holidays.

If you have trouble finding decorations for your house, making your own decorations is another option. For instance, cutting paper snowflakes to put around your house can be a great way to decorate.

Make A Gingerbread House

Ever since I was a toddler, decorating a gingerbread house has been a tradition. Though the gingerbread house never comes out looking neat and perfect, the experience of slathering frosting over the house before placing a variety of different candies is one I always look forward to during the holidays.

Cook Your Own Meals

During school, not many students have the time to make themselves meals. But, over the holidays, you have an abundance of time to try new recipes and make delicious meals for yourself to enjoy. Many students often do not understand how enjoyable cooking can be. Since cooking can be overwhelming at first, you can tackle simple recipes first before going on to more difficult ones.

Try New Restaurants

Winter Break is the best time of the year to try new restaurants. Is there a family-run restaurant nearby that you have always wanted to try? Take time to explore new kinds of food and restaurants around you.

Make Your Own Hot Chocolate

Making my own chocolate is a holiday activity I know I can always count on to put a smile on my face. I urge you to try to make your own hot chocolate with minimal ingredients. You'll be surprised at how simple making your own chocolate can be. My recipe includes just cocoa powder, maple syrup, and milk.

Host Holiday Gatherings

Inviting a few friends over to spend time together is one of the best ways to spend your Winter Break. A huge holiday party is not necessary to have a good time with those closest to you. Sometimes, undemanding gatherings can be the most rewarding.

Do An Act Of Kindness

Winter Break gives all of us enough time to do at least one random act of kindness. Doing something as simple as baking a dozen cookies for your neighbor can make their day. Especially during the holidays, giving back to others is rewarding and enjoyable for everybody involved.

Spend Some Time Outside

Even though the weather might be cold, spending time outside is the best way to relax and stay in the present. From sitting on the grass with a blanket to going on a walk with your dog or family member, taking time out of your day to enjoy nature will boost your mood.

Choose Relaxing Over Completing Work

Even though some teachers may assign homework or assignments over Winter Break, striving to both stay off your computer and avoide working for long periods of time will provide you with the break you need.

Organize Your Room

A great New Year's resolution is to become more tidy and organized. Spending a portion of your break and holidays cleaning and organizing your room will get you ready to start a new year.

The holidays mean something different to everyone. Whether the holidays consist of spending time with family or simply staying in the present moment, they are a time to enjoy yourself and do the things that make you happy. If you ever find yourself bored or wanting to take part in an activity, these ten activities are here to help.

Sophene Avedissian
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Sophene Avedissian is a sophomore in high school. She writes for her school newspaper, Spyglass, the Los Angeles Times High School Insider, and the Youth Civics Initiative. During her free time, Sophene enjoys reading, playing soccer, and spending time with family and friends.

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