The holidays are my favorite time of the year. I love spending the evening in with my warm pajamas on, watching Christmas movies and spending time with friends and family. I also love going out sometimes, too. I mean, who doesn't enjoy a romantic date or a family fun night? There's just one problem, at least for a poor college kid like me, there simply isn't enough money to go around during this time of year. The lists keep getting longer and there are so many Christmas presents you need to buy for so many different people. Just because you're looking for something cheaper to do does NOT mean you should miss out on all the fun, though. Honestly, I find these "everyday" activities to be 10x more fun because they tend to be more special and personable.
Here's a list of seven activities that I've combined to make your Christmas the most memorable (and affordable) yet!
1. Christmas light displays.
Whether it’s a drive through the park or a walk along a hot cocoa-laden path, they’re sure to be "crowd-pleasers" for children and adults alike. While some locations charge an entrance fee, most locations are free and simply ask for donations to go towards the upkeep of the lights or to support a local cause. Either way, like I said, Christmas light displays are the perfect date night or family fun day.
Here are three locations everyone should check out:
1. Winter Festival of Lights at Oglebay Resort & Conference Center, Wheeling, WV (one of the nation’s largest as well as being listed as one of the best ten light displays in the U.S.),
2. Christmas in the Park at Chief Logan State Park, Logan, WV.
3. Bluefield Holiday of Lights in Bluefield, WV.
2. 60 Spectacular Days of Holiday Cheer
Weekly tree lighting's, musicals, ice skating, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas book readings/signings — the Greenbrier has it all.
3. Snow tubing at Winterplace Ski Resort
As their website advertises: "snow tubes provided, laughs required." Everyone doesn't have that awesome, hilly backyard that all the neighborhood kids go running to at the sight of the first snow of the season. No worries, though, because Winterplace has you covered!
4. Ice-skating.
Whether you're a pro or you spend all your time on the ground, the whole family will enjoy a few hours out on the ice.
Here are three rinks you should visit soon:
1. Morgantown Ice Arena, Morgantown, WV
2. South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena, Charleston, WV
3. Synthetic Ice Skating Rink, Moundsville, WV.
5. Sled run.
Blackwater Falls State Park is the home of the east coast's longest sled run! Beat that.
6. The Polar Express
Located in Elkins, WV it's a dream come true! As the kids and ADULTS are ENCOURAGED to wear their pajamas, the whole experience is practically identical to the Warner Bros. film! During the train ride, the Conductor will punch tickets, dancing chefs will serve hot chocolate and candy canes, the book by Van Allsburg will be read and when passengers reach their destination a.k.a the North Pole, believers will be greeted by Santa and given a silver sleigh bell JUST LIKE IN THE MOVIE.
7. Christmas parades.
If you're brave enough to stand outside in freezing temperatures, this is the activity that will never get old. Plus, you're never too old for the candy that gets thrown your way (as long as you're tough enough to stand up to the parents beside you who want their kids to get ALL OF THE CANDY, PLUS SOME)
Memories don't have to be expensive. Years from now, you'll look back and remember the smiles and laughs, but I guarantee you won't remember if something was cheap or not.
