Can you feel it in the air? The tip of your nose is red, gloves and hats and scarves are a must, Mariah Carey awakens from her slumber: that’s right, December has come upon us! But not just December. December heralds winters, which are a staple of the Tufts experience, and for many students, they look at the skies with wonder as they experience their first snow. Here are my favorite things to do during this month of cheer:
Go ice skating, skiing, or snowboarding. As a Massachusetts native, ice skating is one of my favorite activities to do, whether indoors or outdoors. Every winter, Boston’s oldest park, Boston Common, opens up their Frog Pond as an ice skating rink. Whether you’re completely new or twirling on the ice since you were born, going to the pond is always a fun experience. If you prefer something a touch more daring, skiing or snowboarding may be your cup of tea. Western Massachusetts and Northern New England are a lot more mountainous and have plenty of ski resorts, fit for a weekend trip and any experience level. Zipping down the slopes and kicking up snow, you’ll have a blast!
Visit the Seaport holiday market or see what other holiday events are in Boston, like the Boston Ballet. Especially if you’re shopping for holiday gifts for your friends or family, the Seaport holiday market boasts a treasure trove of gifts made by local holiday vendors and small businesses. There’s clothing, art, novelty, gourmet food, and lots more for everyone. If you’re feeling a little lost about what to give, you’re sure to find something at the holiday market, and you’re supporting local businesses too. It’s not just the Seaport holiday market. There are tons of other holiday events in Boston too, all fit for the season. My friend, for example, is seeing the Nutcracker at the Boston Ballet! I went when I was younger, and I highly recommend going.
Make hot chocolate at home and cozy up to a warm movie. If it’s getting too chilly for you and you want some indoor fun, gather your friends to have a potluck. End with baking cookies and decorating them with red icing, snowflakes, candy canes, or whatever else you wish. Next, go into the living room or common room and watch Elf, Home Alone, or another movie of your choice.
Secret Santa with friends. I’m part of the Chinese Student Association club at Tufts, and we have “jiatings”, or smaller groups usually led by upperclassmen that CSA members can join. Each jiating does their own events to bond together, whether it be going to new restaurants or having a movie night. Last winter, my jiating had a secret Santa where we all got each other gifts, ranging from food to novelty tees, and after we decorated gingerbread houses together. I’m hoping my jiating this year does the same!
Whichever way you choose to celebrate this season, happy holidays!
(P.S. a jolly is a party or celebration in British slang.)
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