Staying in or going out?
Since we are in the holiday season here are 7 things that can be enjoyable with friends and family or even by yourself!
1. Movie Night In - This can be any holiday movie or any new release. Gathering around a T.V, projector, or going to the movie theater whichever you prefer! There can also be a variety of snacks like popcorn, chocolate-covered pretzels, candy, etc. Bring a blanket to create a cozy atmosphere. (Family Guy's latest episode speaks about Boston and Tufts) cross that off the list!
2. DIY- ornaments - These can be pre-ordered boxes from Amazon which include a variety of ornaments. These kits usually bring extra props like bells and paint to decorate your ornaments as well. Fun fact if you're an engineer or if you have engineering friends ask them to laser cut the base of the ornament for you and you can just make one as a gift as well. This can be for the whole family where everyone has a unique design and it can be hung up on the tree or around your room.
3. Baking - Gathering in the kitchen to make cookies or cupcakes, or any other baking good. This can be an activity where everyone can make a small treat and everyone does taste testing and at the end, they can share recipes. (if trying to find a new recipe try to check Tufts Daily where they have blogs and articles about baking from students.)
4. Outdoor activities - Depending if it's hot or cold many outdoor activities can be fun. One can go ice skating, hiking, going for a walk, and even visit a Christmas tree farm. Farms also participate in winter and I think many people forget and only think about them during the fall. But some farms have activities for the community for winter like hayrides, hot cocoa, visits from Santa and their elves, and petting animals. (if in Boston try ice- skating at the Frog Pond located in Boston Commons. Also, visit the snow seaport where many local vendors are coming together to get your loved ones a unique gift.)
5. Holiday light tour - Some places allow you to stay in your car and drive around parks that show holiday lights. Some rides can take 20-30 minutes and at night these parks/zoos have amazing light shows. You can also create a route and drive around neighborhoods or your own to see these beautifully decorated houses. Other places allow you to walk and see the festive lights closer up in person. (In Boston they usually have a light show and you can walk in the Boston public garden which is often adorned with lights).
6. Virtual gathering/gathering - Being together with your loved ones can be difficult around the holidays especially when you try to get everyone including friends and family to meet up due to distance or last-minute cancellations. Hosting a virtual party can save the holiday everyone can join in no matter the location. Play games, exchange stories, and even send a gift in advance so that it can be open during this virtual meetup. (Sending Tufts Pride from our bookstore could give our stuffed baby jumbos a new home!)
7. Gingerbread - It can be made, eaten, and used to make gingerbread houses or gingerbread figures. Make it a competition or don’t and show your creative side by decorating and making unique designs. Some make it by scratch or there are store-bought kits already pre-made that bring everything you need to make the perfect gingerbread house/gingerbread figure. By using icing and sprinkles you can be ensured that they’ll also taste amazing! (Be on the lookout as Tufts clubs around this time usually offer a workshop with hot cocoa and building gingerbread houses.)
Whatever the activity that you're doing with your family or your friends or by yourself you’ll ensure a great time. Inside or outside! Especially by getting into the holiday spirit! Happy holidays from Jumbos!