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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SBU chapter.

Many describe this time of the year as magical. As I have grown older, I have found that making the holidays feel magical often takes effort. The enchanted holidays we had in our childhood were often the product of people, not supernatural forces. 

The love and magic we felt, in reality, were products of intention. It was in the houses filled with our loved ones, the moms coordinating travel plans, aunts laughing in the kitchen, fathers reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas”.  

In a similar light, I am romanticizing this time of year with active intention. It can be hard when my schedule is brimming with final exams and projects and my car is buried under a foot of snow. Nonetheless, I like to create my own sense of holiday magic with loved ones and remember what this season is truly about for me: being with the people I love most. 

Here are some HoliDATE ideas to romanticize this time of year. They can be done solo, in a couple, or in a group setting and are adjustable based on personal budget and schedule.

1.) Christmas lights

One of my favorite activities this time of year is driving around to see everyone’s Christmas lights. It helps me feel a sense of joy against the backdrop of darkness thanks to daylight savings. Exploring all of your local Christmas lights makes you realize how many people participate in showing their holiday spirit. 

2.) ice skating

This may be my favorite on the list. I used to take skating lessons as a child, but my skills have since dwindled. Nonetheless, I love going skating in the winter. I may be biased, but there is something magical about going ice skating at Canalside downtown in Buffalo. I still want to experience ice skating at Rockefeller Center- that is on my bucket list! 

3.) Gingerbread houses

This is a classic! I love practicing my creative side (and embarrassing myself in the process.) 

4.) Holiday dinner @ home

Going out to dinner is a tried and true date night. But, the holiday season calls for extra cozy vibes. There is something so lovely and intimate about preparing a meal together. Bonus points for candles and a jazz cooking playlist. This time of year is perfect for all the heartiest meals- the soups, pastas, and roasts. 

5.) DIY spa night

Winter air breeds dry skin and chapped lips. Make a spa night at home with face masks and massages. Use your favorite lotions and bath bombs. 

6.) bookstore bliss

My local Barnes & Noble feels magical this time of year. It’s romantic and cozy and seems to melt my stress away. You can take a trip to your local bookstore and pick out holiday-themed reads for your friends or significant other. 

7.) Holiday episode night

Maybe you and your partner, sibling, or friend have a favorite TV series. On Google, search up all of the show’s holiday-themed episodes and watch them under your coziest blankets. 

8.) Holiday bar at home

Tap into your bartending side by creating a holiday bar at home! Whip up your favorite cocktails, mocktails, or hot chocolate with your loved ones. This pairs perfectly with a holiday-themed charcuterie board and a solid Christmas classics playlist. 

Katie is a Junior at St. Bonaventure University. She is an executive board member for Her Campus at SBU. Her experience with social media, advertising, and writing allow her to combine her passions and advance her university's chapter of HC. She has been a part of Her Campus since freshman year. It has been her favorite on-campus extracurricular to become involved with. Katie is currently studying Strategic Communication and Marketing. She finds joy in being involved on campus through various organizations including Her Campus and Jandoli Women in Communication. Katie is both an Orientation Leader and a Peer Coach- she loves welcoming new students and helping them transition to college. She is also a full-time student ambassador who enthusiastically leads tours for prospective students. (Request her as your tour guide!) In her free time, you can find Katie reading, hiking, and laughing with her friends. She loves spending time outdoors, especially in the fall. Her kryptonite is iced coffee. Some of her favorite artists include Chris Stapleton, Fleetwood Mac, and Noah Kahan. Her favorite show is New Girl. Katie will eagerly engage in any conversation about her beloved hometown, Buffalo, New York. She will likely attempt to convert you to become a Buffalo Bills fan, and could talk about Josh Allen for hours. Post-grad, Katie hopes to be using her creative talents towards a fulfilling career in the world of advertising.