As everyone knows, the holidays are about celebrating with friends and family, and enjoying the holiday spirit. Of course, everyone has their favorite ways to spend the holidays, and countless families across the globe have their own traditions in place to round up the year. My family, for example, loves to make homemade apple cider to get the house in spirit for Christmas, and we love to watch those cheesy Hallmark movies typically the night before. However, this year, rather than sharing my favorite family holiday traditions, I wanted to write about my personal favorite traditions for the holiday season, and how I like to kick back and relax on Winter Break.
1.) Reading and Apple Cider
As soon as the month shifts from autumn cold November to cozy December, one of my favorite holiday traditions starts with a warm sip of Apple Cider. My dad makes this drink the best, as he warms up apple juice in the crock pot, along with some orange slices and cinnamon sticks (the smell sums up the holidays perfectly). When drinking this beverage in one of my favorite mugs (I have too many of them), and the smell fills the whole house with holiday vibes. I love pairing this drink up with a good book when I find my newest read, and nothing is more relaxing than a good book and a warm, welcoming Apple Cider.
Photo Courtesy of Pixabay
2.) Binging movies…. Of any genre
Okay, this one may seem cliche, but while I’m on break, away from school, I love to catch up on my Netflix movies; whether it’s the latest horror movie, or a calm romantic Christmas classic. Last year, I binged the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice, and this year I have yet to discover what I’ll binge next.
3.) Baking Cookies
Again with the food section, but baking cookies is a holiday staple in my household. When I was younger, my mom would also make cupcakes with my sister and I, and growing up I adopted her secret, to die for recipe for making the best chocolate chip cookies in existence (seriously, these are addictive. Eat with caution!). My family always eagerly anticipates when I bake for hours on the weekends, and I always make extras for my relatives to take home.
Photo Courtesy of Pixabay
4.) Face Masks and Self Care
Though this one is on the more modern trend side, one of my favorite guilty pleasures is doing face masks during the holiday season. Often times during the school year, it’s hard to make time to unwind and do some skin care, so in my spare time, I set aside some time for just me. Face masks are also a nice boost of self-confidence if I’m feeling a little low, and I always love doing a cute “before and after” photo shoot. In short, if you’re looking for a cute, fun way to spice up your holiday break, grab some face masks, maybe even some nail polish or anything else that inspires you, and go for it!
Photo Courtesy of Pixabay
Though I have many other little annual habitual treats I do with my family, these are some of my favorite things I love to do by myself, or with my sister Julie. I love creating my own personal traditions in the holiday spirit, and most of all, I love spending time with my family. However you celebrate the holidays, I hope you find time to create your own personal traditions, and who knows, you can share them with your friends! Happy Holidays, however you celebrate!