You've been caught up in school and work for the past few months and you haven't had the chance to do all of the fun things you've missed out on. Now it's Winter break, and now there's so much to do. If you don't know where to start here are a few suggestions:
1. Enjoy the lights
There are many places that offer beautiful displays of holiday lights. One is the LA Zoo. You can't see the animals, but they have lasers, LED lights, projections, and photo opportunities. They also have reindeer. Actual reindeer! There are two baby reindeer too.
Another place to visit is Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Not only can you enjoy all of the roller coasters during the day, but you can enjoy the light shows at night. They have holiday drinks to keep warm and snow machines try to make it feel like a winter wonderland. If you go during the week, there will likely be short wait times for the rides too.
2. Go ice skating
We live in Southern California. Most people don't have much experience on ice. And if your family is as athletic as mine, which actually means "not very," ice skating is bound to be a good time and a good laugh. Ice skating is usually only available during the holidays at Irvine Spectrum and Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles, so it's the right time to do something you don't get to do very often.
3. Plan a trip
Maybe flying somewhere is not in your budget, but that doesn't mean you can't go on a road trip. Making the trip to somewhere like Santa Barbara is always worth it. It may be too cold to go to the beach, but the drive and view are beautiful. There's also so much to do there. You can visit the courthouse and go up to the "El Mirador" clock tower, or you can visit the Santa Barbara Mission. There's also the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the Santa Barbara Zoo.
Don't forget about all of the yummy places to eat! Santa Barbara is where The Habit Burger Grill originated. As did Freebirds World Burrito. It's absolutely delicious! Seriously, try the horchata.
4. Go to a Holiday Party
Whether it's with your family or your friends, this one is a must. You can wear ugly Christmas sweaters, roll your eyes at all of the crazy things your uncles say or laugh along with all of the crazy, inappropriate stories they have about your parents
If you really don't like spending time with your family, or you aren't on the best of terms, there are places that host parties where you can meet new people. The point is: you should have a good time.
5. Nothing!
You just finished with school; you deserve a break! Take the time to sleep for a few days, and maybe work on fixing that sleep schedule which is probably messed up after that hectic week of finals. Read for fun. Binge-watch that new television show. Take up a knitting as a hobby.
You don't get to do much for fun during the school year. This is the time to relax and make new memories. They'll help you get through school when you get back.
Enjoy your break!