December is already in full swing, which means the holiday season has begun. Although it’s finals season, and many of us college students are drowning in projects and exams, winter break is right around the corner! Going home to spend time with family and friends is always something to look forward to, and there are so many festive activities to make the season feel even more merry!
1. Bake cookies and watch a classic Christmas movie
I know you’ve most likely heard this idea before, but something as simple as putting on Elf and throwing some Pillsbury sugar cookie dough in the oven can be so much fun. If you’re feeling creative, baking gingerbread cookies and decorating them with icing and sprinkles can definitely add to the experience. Grab some cozy pillows and blankets and binge all of your favorite Christmas movies! This is such a great way to spend quality time with family members while you’re back home for the holidays.
2. Go ice skating and grab some hot cocoa
Although it is freezing outside, you can never go wrong with grabbing some friends or family and going to an ice skating rink! For those located in South Jersey, there are so many fun options available. Personally, I’ve had great experiences at the Winterfest Ice Skating Rink at Cooper River Park in Cherry Hill and the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink in Philadelphia. While you’re out in the cold, I definitely recommend grabbing hot cocoa, which is offered at both skating rinks!
3. Drive around and look at Christmas lights
If you’re like me, you understand the excitement of noticing the Christmas lights popping up around town. If you can’t think of anything to do on a night during the holidays, hop in the car and drive around to look at the lights! To add to the fun, you can never go wrong with putting on a banger Christmas playlist and singing along. Every year, my family and I bring our dogs along with us to experience the lights. It’s a great time and a special way to spend time with your family.
4. Donate to holiday donation drives
This season, there are so many ways to give back by donating toys, clothes, and food. In the South Jersey area, there are a variety of different donation areas. First, Burlington County’s Sheriff’s Holiday Toy Drive is taking donations of new and unwrapped toys. These toys will be given out to children in need in the Burlington County area. Next, the Food Bank of South Jersey offers various ways of helping out. You can donate gift cards, assemble care packages, or volunteer to distribute food or deliver meals. Lastly, you can participate in the Angel Tree Program, which is run by Salvation Army and Walmart. You are able to shop for a child to provide them with new clothes and toys during this holiday season. While these are only a few of the donation possibilities available right now, there are many more opportunities available throughout the season.
5. Experience a festive lightshow from your car or a hayride!
Although hayrides are usually associated with the fall season, many farms continue the fun in the holiday season by incorporating light shows into their hayrides. A personal favorite of mine is Johnson’s Farm, which is located in Medford, NJ. The experience consists of a light show and Christmas music, and there are more festive activities once the hayride is over. For those that live closer to Rowan University, Creamy Acres farm is located in Mullica Hill, right around the corner from campus! They provide a mile and a half long drive thru experience with tons of lights and interactive experiences.
Make sure to be present this holiday season and to take in all of the magic while it’s here!