As the weather is starting to get cold and snow is beginning to fall, it is only natural to snowball into the holiday spirit. The holidays are all about bringing together families and the community to spread the Christmas joy, share holiday traditions, and exchange special recipes. Each and every person in the community has unique holiday traditions and activities just waiting to be shared into the world, making this season truly magical for everyone.
Holiday activities
From making peppermint cookies to building a gingerbread house, baking is a great way to bring the family together for the holidays. The kitchen transforms into a festive workshop, perfect for creating memories like sweet treats. “I like to make M&M cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and Peppermint cookies. We also make Butterballs and date bars, “says Sydney Boehnlein, a freshman at BBHHS.
Beyond cookies, building gingerbread houses is a fun and creative way to spread holiday joy with anyone, any age. Ginger bread houses are able to be built from scratch, bought from the local grocery store, or have competitive house building competitions.
Music is able to transform the mindset in more ways than one. It reduces stress, calms anxiety, and improves focus by shifting attention from worries to the present moment. It brings joy to many hearts and they will be able to stay warm inside too. Any song will do, it doesn’t have to be a Christmas song.
Another way to celebrate the holiday cheer is by visiting local establishments. Supporting the local community can help build stronger bonds between each and every person in the community.
Making ornaments can make Christmas trees feel more special and unique. It can be sweet memories made throughout the year. They cost almost nothing to make, but they can be reminders of endless memories throughout each year.
The holidays aren’t only about celebrating family, but it also includes people who are total strangers. Sending letters to soldiers stationed overseas can bring a smile to a stranger’s face. It is scientifically proven that giving back to the community and helping others will improve mental health and self-esteem.
Embrace the outdoor cold by organizing a walking or driving tour of the neighborhood’s best light displays. This activity encourages community members to put up decorations and creates a shared, festive experience. Conclude the tour with a hot chocolate social in a community center, local park, or even someone’s driveway with a fire pit, providing a warm space for neighbors.
Holiday traditions
Even after all of these fun activities that the people in the community can do to spread the joy of the holiday, traditions will always be a core aspect of Christmas. Whether it is setting up a Christmas tree every year, to making a fun recipe with family, they will always hold a special place in their hearts. Boehnlein says, “We have a party at my aunt’s house, so we just go over to her house and eat food and watch the football game, that kind of stuff. Oh and my family does a white elephant, which is basically where you get a gift to put in the middle of a table and then you draw numbers, and you take a gift with the number on it. You unwrap it, and then you can steal the gift from the other person if you like theirs better.”
Getting together with family isn’t the only tradition out there. Decorating the house without other people to be able to awaken the holiday spirit. Also, Journaling thoughts and feelings is a great way to celebrate the holiday tradition. All of these things are easy and accessible to do for someone who doesn’t have the luxury of celebrating with others.
Aside from spending Christmas alone, having family or friends travel from a different state or country can really bring up the holiday spirit. It can make each and every moment endlessly more special. Freshman Morgynn Williams says, “My aunt comes to town to my grandma’s house whenever it is Christmas.”
Whether it is spending time alone setting up Christmas lights, or flying out across the country just to celebrate with long-distance family, the holiday season won’t be complete without some holiday fun.
