The holiday season is upon us, and that means it is time to break out the holiday traditions we have been celebrating since birth. It is great to celebrate with family and the ones you care about the most, but let’s not forget about the great traditions we can start with our friends!
If you are struggling to think of some fun traditions to start with your friends, worry not, collegiettes! We’ve got you covered.
1. Christmas Baking
You can never go wrong with food, and if you can have a “Friendsgiving,” why can’t you have a “Friends-baking”? Take to Pinterest to look up cute and easy recipes and get to baking! Figuring things out in the kitchen could even bring you closer to your friends. Food always brings people together, so you really can’t mess this one up.
2. Gift Exchange
Giving gifts is a huge part of the holiday season, so a gift exchange is a tradition gold mine. Nothing makes me feel better than giving someone a gift I know they are going to love, and finally seeing their face when they receive the gift. If you have a larger friend group, try a Secret Santa or White Elephant approach so you don’t have to worry about going broke.
3. Decorating the Apartment
Even if you aren’t roommates with your friends, you can still decorate your apartments together. That is one of the best things about the holiday season at home, so why not bring that tradition to your home away from home with the friends that are almost like your family too?
4. Christmas Caroling
Even if you aren’t a singer, caroling is so much fun! Bringing joy to others is also a huge part of the holiday season, and there is no better way to do that than by singing everyone’s favorite Christmas songs at the top of your lungs! As Buddy the Elf would say, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!”
5. Going to See Christmas Lights
Most towns have that one neighborhood that goes all out for Christmas. For me, it was always McAdenville, NC, also known as Christmas Town, USA. Every year, without fail, all of my friends and I would walk through the lights and still be in awe after growing up around them. They are always the same and we always make it a point to stop at our favorite houses, but something about this tradition always makes me feel great. The local firefighters hand out hot chocolate and we take pictures by our favorite trees. It is a great tradition that is beautiful to experience.
No matter what you do this year with your friends, be sure to make every moment count. Being in college, I know it can be difficult to find free time to just breathe, but taking the time to start and carry on these traditions with your best friends will all be worth it in the end. Those will be the moments you will look back on and remember, not the papers and the tests you are frantically studying for. Enjoy the little moments and have fun.
As always, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Image Sources:
http://sjgctvc.anondns.net/christmas-cookies.aspx
http://www.ibtimes.com/top-10-holiday-tech-gifts-2016-ultimate-geeky-gui…
http://www.familyholiday.net/60-elegant-christmas-country-living-room-de…
http://giphy.com/gifs/buddy-the-elf-oLqEbrlmm4XjW
http://essaywritingadvisor.com/brilliant-christmas-lights-mcadenville-nc…