For the last 10 years I’ve spent the holiday season surrounded by snow banks and dropping temperatures. Now that I’m in California, however, I need to find a way to make it feel like my Minnesota home. With the sun constantly shining, it can be hard to get into the holiday spirit, but I have a few ideas that could help with that.
1. Winter Wonder SLO Jiffy Lube Ice Skating Rink
From December 19th until January 4th, you can experience the wonder of a real ice skating rink right here in San Luis Obispo. Skating in circles, attempting, and failing, to do Olympic-level tricks and laughing with your best friends is one of the most exhilarating ways to celebrate the weather getting cooler. Go on a roomie outing to the rink, and cry laughing at the fact that you all fall every two seconds.
2. Holiday Drinks
After freezing your entire self at the ice rink, stop by Starbucks and get one of their amazingly delicious holiday drinks in the iconic red cup. Peppermint Mochas, Caramel Brûlée Latte and so much more… Cozy up to your favorite winter movie, like Love Actually, and sip on Christmas in a Cup.
3. Decorate
One thing I’ll miss the most is snow. But don’t fret, there are ways to get around the sad fact that when it’s seventy degrees and sunny every day it just doesn’t snow. I mean, if you can’t create it… buy it! You can probably find fake snow a lot of places, but I know for a fact Urban Outfitters sells “Snow in a Can” and it’s not even too expensive! Sprinkle it all over your apartment or dorm, and accessorize even further by making paper snowflakes. The more decorations, the merrier. Tinsel, garland and sparkling lights, oh my!
4. Holiday Parade in Downtown SLO
On December 5th from 7-9 PM, the 39th annual Holiday Parade will begin at the corner of Palm and Chorro. It features marching bands, musical acts and almost 100 eye-catching, holiday themed floats. Feel free to go down early to set up fleece blankets and camping chairs in order to save an amazing spot for the night.
5. Themed Snacks
Okay, we all love to eat. And what’s a better excuse to eat sugary cookies and other treats than the holiday season? In order to fill the snowman void, create edible ones! Stack marshmallows on top of each other on a skewer, add some eyes and buttons and a hat and you’ve got your very own snowman! The ultimate way to enjoy these snacks is with friends, sitting around the TV (or laptop) watching Frozen over and over again.
Every day is better when winter/holiday/happy things surround you. So next time you’re feeling down about the sun and dreaming of a white December, keep these ideas in mind to create a winter wonderland.