As the semester comes to an end and finals wrap up, MACES students are excited to begin winter break, but wonder what activities they should do. Well, during this break, many people see it as a way to unwind, reconnect with family, and explore new things. This can be from baking cookies to watching holiday movies to enjoying the festive activities the month has to offer.
“One activity everyone should try is cookie decorating. Whether it be a house or a gingerbread man, it is such a fun activity, especially when you are surrounded by close friends and family,” says Emery Madrid, a senior. There are many festive activities to do during the break, as said, one of the most popular is baking. From sugar cookies to recipes like homemade gingerbread houses, the kitchen will always be busy in December. “During winter break, I am most excited to catch up on my hobbies,” Valerie Lima, a senior, said. “I feel like during the school year, I just don’t have enough time to balance everything. I’m most excited to start baking and crocheting again. Sometimes during the school year, I have small chances to bake cookies, but I’d really like to dive into a difficult recipe!”
Another tradition students look forward to is Holiday movie marathons. Spending your cozy night watching some classics like Elf, Home Alone, or those cheesy holiday Netflix movies has become really popular. “The holiday movies I enjoy watching the most are How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Elf. These are a must watch during the holiday season in my family.” Madrid says. Although the spirit of Christmas often starts when you put up Christmas decorations. So if you haven’t already, this is a great idea to start off your winter break. But it goes deeper than just decorating; it holds memories and is a great chance to reminisce. “My favorite thing to do has to be decorating for Christmas! I love putting up the tree and getting to look through all of the ornaments we’ve collected through the years, from before I was born to now.” Lima says. Not only are you remembering these memories, you’re also creating new ones.
For those who like being active and want a good laugh, ice skating is a must try. Attempting to ice skate at least once is something everyone should do. Beginners can grab onto the railing while more experienced skaters skate in circles or attempt small spins. “I think everyone should try ice-skating! I think it’s a very humbling but fun experience that you can do with friends and family. The weather is perfect, and if you get good at it, it can become a really cool skill!” Lima says. Although falling is almost guaranteed, so is laughter, which is the most important part of every experience. But if ice skating is for sure a no in your plans, you can still hang out with your friends and family at home and host a small Christmas party. “The thing I am most excited about during my break is to spend time with my family. We host Christmas every year, and we invite as many family members as possible, where we can just come together to eat, laugh, play games, and overall have a good time together,” Madrid says. Being with your family is one of the most important things about Christmas, so getting together is recommended by MACES students.
There’s no more excuse for having no ideas on what to do during winter break, so now, whether you’re ice skating, staying home and watching a movie, baking, or hosting a party, you can enjoy the Christmas spirit and welcome the new year. As the semester ends, one thing is certain: the holidays are not just a break from school, it’s a time to create memories that will last forever.
