What to Do During Winter Break?
By Alexa Silvestri
We all remember how the first six months of quarantine went—it was full of TikTok, banana bread, and non-existent sleep schedules. While we may not officially be in quarantine over winter break, the cold weather and flu season leaves a large amount of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. That being said, we do have a substantial amount of time at home ahead of us, as we remain both socially distant and health conscious.
Quarantine took a toll on everyone across the globe. People are social and not meant for isolation. We are supposed to be interacting with loved ones and living life to the fullest. While that may not be possible in quarantine, it is important that we continue to engage in interactive tasks so that we do not lose our drive and time management skills, or suffer any negative consequences to our mental health.
While in isolation, negative thoughts can creep in. During winter break, remember that any moments of self-doubt or cynicism are most likely being caused by the isolating circumstances. Do not give much weight to those crazy dreams or negative energy that may enter your mind, as they may have done during summer quarantine. You are beautiful. You are loved. Take this time to focus on yourself and your health. Spend time with your family and take the time to relax from this nearly impossible semester.
Two months may seem and feel like ages. How can we fill two months of winter vacation while sticking to health guidelines? Here are some winter activities you can do:
Go outside and build a snowman or have a snowball fight (I’m hoping for a white Christmas!)
Donate gifts, clothes, and new or old toys to a charity of your choice
Cook meals for food drives
Drive through light shows
Make your own holiday gifts and decorations
Have a winter movie marathon
Try skiing or snowboarding
Go ice skating
Bake cookies and other holiday treats like peppermint bark
Do a drive-up cookie swap with neighbors or friends and have a car decorating contest
Have a Christmas card photo shoot with friends and family
Make your own ugly holiday sweater
Decorate the interior and exterior of your house
Have a holiday themed Christmas PowerPoint night with a few friends
Gift or cookie drops at your loved ones’ houses
Go virtual caroling
Make holiday themed masks
Send holiday care packages to loved ones
Other activities that are not winter or holiday themed that you can do to fill your time include:
Knit a scarf
Take an online cooking class
Have a self-care day (or even week)
Read a book series
Finally clean out your closet and/or room
Go to a drive-in movie
Have trivia nights
Pick up a new hobby
Listen to a new podcast
Congratulations on wrapping up another semester, and remember to maintain health guidelines this break! I hope everyone has a great winter break.
