6 Activities to Do During the Holidays

Six activities to do during the holidays — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Happy Boxing Day/Kwanzaa! Even though Christmas is over, the holiday season is not yet over. If you're hoping to get out of the house for this last week or so of the true "holiday season", here are my favorite six activities to do during this season (and some of these are great to do even during winter in general). If you're done with the festivities, keep this list in mind for future holiday seasons! :)

Six activities to do during the holidays: Christmas market — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

1. Visit a Christmas market
Ever since I learned that there was a local German Christmas market, Chris and I make it a point to visit it to indulge in sweet treats, sip some traditional virgin gluhwein (hot mulled grape cider instead of wine), and check out local vendors for unique Christmas gifts. This year, I picked up something for our Friendsmas white elephant gift exchange as well as a few hot chocolates on a stick (which are essentially pieces of soft but solid milk chocolate on the end of a stick that you stir into hot milk).

2. See The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is my favorite ballet and hands down my favorite Christmas tradition. It just puts me right in the holiday spirit! The music and dancing is always amazing, and I love picking up a special nutcracker to add to my collection. If there isn't a ballet company in your area, look for a fun kids production! :)

Six activities to do during the holidays: Check out Christmas lights — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

3. Check out Christmas lights
This is the best time of year if you love Christmas lights! Either drive around town looking for the best displays or research places near you with a large display, such as a downtown area or botanical garden. I absolutely love Christmas lights; they are so magical!

4. Indulge in hot chocolate
There is an excellent local hot chocolate place near us that literally steams pieces of milk chocolate into liquid goodness. It's so rich and just amazing! I hope to have a cup or two more before winter is over. It's a perfect pre-Christmas light-viewing or pre-shopping treat.

Six activities to do during the holidays: Try something new like glass blowing — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

5. Try something new
This year, I treated Chris and myself to a one-hour glass blowing class. We got to learn how to make glass blown items and make a few ourselves. Chris made a drinking glass, and I made three ornaments. (Mine were very quick to make!) I think glass blown art is amazing and loved getting to try it myself! One activity I hope to do soon is a paint-and-sip class, where you drink wine (or your adult beverage of choice) and paint! Check out LivingSocial or Groupon (referral link) for new experiences in your area for reasonable prices.

6. Go ice skating
This is the one activity I haven't done for many years but hope to get around to doing this season! Even though I suck at it, it's fun to bundle up and wobble around an ice rink with friends or hand-in-hand with your significant other. It's even better if you're surrounded by Christmas lights!

Anything else you'd add to this list of holiday activities? I'd love to hear your favorites! :)