Nine Things to Spice Up Your Holiday at Home

Nataly Garcia, Staff Writer

Things to do for the Christmas Holiday

It’s finally time for the holidays! Well, more specifically, it’s finally time to get out of school and do absolutely nothing for about three weeks. Whether you want to do something or not, that’s up to you, but here are a few options you might want to try if you are feeling up to do something for the Christmas holiday. 

1. Decorate ornaments 

You can buy a set where the stuff is provided for you or do DIY ornaments. You can decorate anyway you want with anyone you want. It’s a fun way to get creative while still getting into the holiday spirit. I recommend the sets with the stuff from amazon, however I think it’ll be more fun if you buy the stuff at the stores and do a DIY type. You can go from craft places like Michaels and Hobby Lobby or a regular store like Walmart or Target. Some things you can do for ornaments are like Christmas themes, characters, quotes, or colors even. 

2. Do A gingerbread house contest 

Okay, go to Walmart, Target, Sam’s, or any place that can provide you with gingerbread houses. Then you buy extra stuff if you need, such as frosting, sprinkles, or any other extra stuff. I recommend that if your gingerbread sets have little to no variety, go get some. You got to decorate! But for the contest you can either do it individually or with a partner. Get creative and have that festive feeling. And go on Pinterest if you need ideas!

3. Wear matching PJS

This is a fun thing to do with members of your family or even friends! Wearing matching pajamas can be a way for you to look cute and get into the holiday spirit. There are loads of places to buy a set, but my top three I recommend are Old Navy, Walmart, and Target. They provide pjs for adults, teens, toddlers, and even little babies. 

4. Watch Christmas movies

I know I did a fall one last time, and this one is no different. Well, just that it’s Christmas. Anyway, down below  is a list of Christmas movies that you can watch with anyone. And I guarantee you little scrooges have to like at least one of these. 

Elf The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Home Alone Little Women
Rise of the Guardians Deck The Halls The Santa Clause Jingle All The Way
Die Hard Arthur’s Christmas The Nightmare Before Christmas A Charlie Brown Christmas

5. Do a Secret Santa

This is my favorite one. You can do this with a big group or small one. You pick names out of a container, and the name you pick will be the person you buy a gift for. I recommend before you pick names out, the members doing this write a small list of their favorites, such as color, three things they need, favorite snack, and more. Also you guys give a cost limit. This could be a fun way for you and your people to get together. This could also be for family members, too. 

6. Have a Christmas party 

I’m not saying for you to have a giant Christmas party with hundreds of people. If you want to, that’s perfectly fine, but I’m 100% expecting an invite. But, if you want to keep it small that’s fine, too. Here is a small list if you want to do a theme for the party: 

  • Winter Wonderland 
  • Gingerbread 
  • Christmas Tree Galore 
  • The Nutcracker Suite
  • White Christmas

7. Go House Light Looking

Okay I know what you guys are thinking. Why would you want to look at stranger’s houses like a total stalker? But the thing is some people’s houses are actually decorated really pretty for Christmas. Whether they go all out or play it simple, they bring out their love for the holidays and allow us to capture their love, too. So get in a car and go Christmas Light Looking. It could be with family, with friends, or by yourself. Put some soft Christmas music on and enjoy the light show. And you can go into any neighborhood to do this. Well, a neighborhood that actually has lights.

8. Read Some Books During the Break 

Here is a list of some winter/holiday themed books I recommend for the winter: 

  • Little Women- Lousia May Alcott
  • Not If I Save You First- Ally Carter
  • Before I Fall- Lauren Oliver
  • Murder on the Orient Express- Agatha Christie
  • Five Total Strangers- Natalie D. Richards
  • Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist- Cody Hall
  • If I Stay- Gayle Forman

9. Baking 

Last one I promise. You should also bake for the holidays! Brownies, cake pops, cupcakes, andeven cookies that are sure to put the ones given to Santa to shame. If you want a specific thing to bake, look it uo online! There are plenty of ideas and recipes that’ll be great for the holidays and great to eat, as well. These ingredients for items can be sold basically at any food store, but if you want specifically holiday themed items, try Walmart or Target. Maybe have a sleepover with friends and wear cute Christmas pajamas? Or do this as a family bonding experience. 

Altogether, have fun for the holidays and maybe try one of these to get in the Christmas spirit. 

Hope everyone has a great break!