With the holidays around the corner, stores and restaurants seem to be really be quite busy these days. With the weather becoming cold, it's hard to find something to do for fun at times. The holiday season is the best time for making your own fun and being able to try new, festive things you wouldn't do on a normal day.

1. Ice Skating

This can be fun during any season (if you live near an indoor rink) but something about skating under a beautifully lit tree makes the holiday season seem that more real. My favorite places (for the NY/Long Island area) are Port Jefferson and Bryant Park.

2. Seeing Lights

I love looking at Christmas lights. My favorite part is seeing how unique each house is and how people choose to decorate them. I think the more extreme is the coolest to look at. For the Long Island area, if you've seen all the houses, try the Jones Beach light show or the Girl Scout light show (which is located by Smith's Point Beach this year).

3. Seeing the Tree in NYC

Even though it's so crowded all of the time, seeing the beautiful NYC Christmas tree is something a true New Yorker looks forward to. People from all over make a special trip to see the amazing tree, while we're lucky enough to have it in our own backyard.

4. Christmas cookies/gingerbread houses

A fan favorite is making a gingerbread house and being able to decorate it with different candy. The best is eating it later on.

5. Holiday boat parade

In Patchogue there is an annual boat parade each year where boats sign up for a decorative contest, then ride down the Patchogue River to show off their amazing lit-up boats.

6. Christmas movie night

For those nights where you don't want to go out, Christmas movies are the best thing to watch. A personal favorite of mine is The Christmas Story.

7. Ugly Sweater night

Good for hanging out with friends, or for a fun night out. Ugly sweaters are the best way to lighten up the mood and have a good laugh.

8. Decorate

The cliche' putting up the Christmas tree and decorating it with your significant other. I'm guilty, but it's tons of fun and easier to put the star on the top of the tree if you both work together.

9. See Santa

Christmas card? No problem. Matchies and Santa make the perfect picture.

10. Wrap Gifts

If one of you sucks, at least someone can help you.