Yet again, December has arrived with its negative temperatures and slush from the sky. And do you know what comes along with December? The holidays! A festive two-in-one deal.
But sometimes you’re sick of holiday traditions – maybe you hate always having to bake that cake for the family, or you’re tired of the same pair of socks grandma gets you every year, or maybe you don’t like doing the shoveling Christmas morning so your relatives can park in your driveway. And that’s okay – everyone needs a little change once in a while. Why do you think we have vacations?
So here are some fun ways to vacation from your usual holiday traditions this winter break, no matter who or what you are – yes, even the succulents on your window can get festive. The holidays are in the heart, not in the environment. Have some fun!
1. The Egg of Festivity
The Egg of Festivity is exactly what it sounds like: Gather around in a circle with family, friends, or whoever and whatever else you have lying around. Draw a face the best you can on the egg and set it back in the middle. Remember to show some respect for the egg. This is key – if you slouch or look uninterested this won’t work. Ask the egg a question, like a burning question about what you got for Christmas or if your friend is actually mad at you or forgets to text back. Shake the egg a few times then crack it . If the yolk breaks, it’s a no. If the yolk stays whole, it’s a yes! If you don’t like this method, maybe you can ask the egg for a Magic 8 ball instead next year, hmm?
2. Ultimate Snowball
One of the best things of the season, for most people living in Wisconsin, is the snow. For other’s, it’s the worst thing. But whatever stance you take on snow, there’s one thing we can all agree on – it’s cold, and it’s powdery, and it’s perfect for using as a projectile. Ultimate snowball is a wasteland of rules. Grab some friends (or some targets) and get together in an open space that can either be inside or outside, but outside is preferable. Use tactics like “The Blind Spot” (a rock covered in snow), “The Dirty Harry” (snowballs with more dirt than snow), or the author’s choice, “The January” (a solid ball of ice with a thin layer of snow on top). Go wild and compete to see who gets that last piece of grandma’s famous Jell-O.
3. Present Making
The true hallmark of the holiday season is the satisfaction of giving. Seeing the face of someone else open your present and smile is a feeling that one rarely gets to experience, unless you’re really generous or you go to a lot of parties. Imagine your family member’s face when they open that beautifully wrapped gift and find an uncooked piece of ham inside! The best gifts not only come from the heart, but are also usually found around your home – for example, some great stocking stuffers and tree-fillers could be individually wrapped grapes, water, one Kraft single in a box, a copy of Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 on Blu-ray, or the simple but meaningful spool of copper wire from Home Depot.
5. Family Fortnite Dance Competition
You already know we can’t have Christmas (or an article) without mentioning Fortnite. Another hallmark of the holidays is the time that we spend with others. That’s why this tradition might be perfect for any Fortnite lover out there! With the release of season 7 and the addition of festive skins like Merry Marauder and Ginger Gunner, this gives you the perfect reason to get together with your family and friends in your living room and do the hype like the world’s going to end. Orange Justice your way to a perfect holiday. Default dance throughout the night. Emote at holiday dinner and when receiving your presents. Whatever it takes to get that holiday Victory Royale!
6. Steal Christmas
There’s nothing stopping you. Just go full Grinch on ’em and steal your entire neighborhood’s Christmas. Steal the presents. Take the tree. Leave no evidence. No one will know it was you if you cry alongside them Christmas morning.
7. Mall Santa
This tradition might require you to be working age, however, you can always find loopholes. Step in for your local mall Santa (whether he knows about it or not) and let the kiddies sit on your lap this holiday season and tell you what they want. When they’re done, tell them what you want for Christmas. Should you encounter any crying or frightened children, be sure to cry alongside them to make them feel more comfortable. This applies to pets as well.
8. Spend Time with Your Family
The holidays are really about coming together at the end of the year and reflecting on how much fun you had. Before the new year comes around, be sure to savor those moments with your loved ones. Because that’s what traditions are all about! It brings the people together. The warm fuzzies in your heart is the real end-of-the-year treat and personally, it’s the moment my whole year leads up to. Sit back and forget about school for the week we’re gone and close your eyes and enjoy the special moments like your family sitting together and laughing among each other, or you and your siblings building snowmen outside and wrapping gifts for your parents, or baking cookies and going places with your friends. Holidays are in the heart.
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Happy Holidays everyone! What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Be sure to relax and have loads of fun this break!