I know all you want to do during your winter break is catch up on sleep, binge watch your favorite Netflix shows, or read a good book, but here are some other activities that are super fun for your friends and families to do during the holidays!

1. Bake with your family.

During all holidays, food is guaranteed. Whether it is Fourth of July or Christmas, you always have special meals that you eat during that celebration. Cooking and baking could be stressful for one person, so why not make it fun while making it with your family! Although a little crowded in the kitchen, a family by your side can always add the fun times and great memories.

2. Volunteer.

The wise Winston Churchill once said “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Everyone knows this time of year is the giving season, so why not give your time to your local food bank or charity. Volunteering is great way to connect with your community, meet new people and a reason to get out of the house. Especially in New Jersey, the winters are cold, and lending a helping hand can affect someone’s life forever.

3. Shop.

Although it is the giving season, it is also the shopping season! Huge shopping days like, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday bring in thousands of dollars a year. Shopping can be extremely hectic with the mad runs to the best deal but it is definitely an experience one cannot forget. Even though some people break the bank while going holiday shopping, you contain yourself from money loss by helping a friend or family member with their shopping. They always need an extra hand with the heavy shopping bags.

4. Visit New York City.

First of all, New York City is one of the greatest and diverse cities in the world. So there is plenty of things to do. New York City hosts the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, displaying famous singers and actors on colorful floats and of course, the balloons. Watching the parade is a tradition for so many families. Also, During Christmas time, a 70 foot tree is found and displayed in Rockefeller Center. The tree lighting is shown on television followed by singers including Andy Grammer, Mariah Carey and the world famous Rockettes.

5. Go outside.

Some people like to curl up on the couch with a hot chocolate and a good book, but others love to play in their snowy backyard. Some things you could do during in the cold are build a snowman, have a snowball fight, or make snow angels! Or one could go to the local ice rink and go ice skating. And of course you could go sledding! Sledding is one of the most common activities to do on a snowy winter day.