As November comes to a close and December draws near, everyone seems more cheerful: the holidays are here! This is the time of the year where people are happier, more giving, with bigger bellies, open hearts, and a humble spirit. However, despite the holiday cheer, the usual hustle and bustle of preparing for this holiday can become exhausting and even, at times, slightly daunting. Not only does the stress from finals or midterms linger, but your bank account is soon dwindling with the preparation of this sometimes stressful season. But don’t let this time of the year drain you, make sure you enjoy yourself and the company of your friends and family with these fun ideas over the holidays.

D.E.C.E.M.B.E.R

D – DIY Holiday Projects

Nothing is cuter than little DIY holiday projects to brighten up your home, decorate your Christmas tree with, or to give away as a gift to a friend or family member.

E – Eating

Most people feel guilty eating so much over the holidays but don’t fret about it! A little weight over the holidays is natural and can be worked off over the next few months. So enjoy those sweets, ham, turkey, tamales, or whatever your family eats over the holidays!

C – Constructing Gingerbread Houses

A fun holiday activity that many people enjoy is constructing gingerbread houses. This can be just for fun or can be turned into a friendly competition to see who can make the best or most intricate gingerbread house. This activity is both fun and delicious!

E – Entertaining Christmas Parties

Throw or attend one or two holiday Christmas parties. Get together and have jolly laughs with close family or friends. This always gets us into the Christmas spirit!

M – Making Hot Cocoa

Nothing warms you up like a nice cup of hot cocoa ‘round the fireplace with a bestie or significant other. This sweet treat will brighten anyone's mood and lift anyone's spirit. Don't forget to have candy canes or gingerbreads on the side!

B – Baking Christmas Goodies

Gingerbreads, sugar cookies, holiday pies, cakes…the list of possibilities is endless and decorating these is fun and relaxing. So, let your inner artist escape as you bring these tasty treats to life.

E – Enjoying Family & Friends

Take a moment to just enjoy the company of family and friends. Play fun holiday games, share stories around the fireplace, or have a fun holiday potluck.

R – Relaxing On Your Own

Take a little break and have some alone time. Sometimes we all need some spare time alone to get away from all the holiday noise and collect our thoughts as we reflect on ourselves and life.

C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S

C – Christmas Cards

Everybody enjoys a festive Christmas or holiday card, whether it’s a whimsical store bought one or a creative handmade masterpiece. So have fun searching or creating and touch someone’s heart with a warm, thoughtful card.

H – Holiday Decorating

Bust out the lights for the exterior of your house, the holiday garlands, wreaths, pillows, etc. A nice holiday touch is a surefire way to add Christmas spirit to your household and will warm the hearts of your family and friends.

R – Reading Holiday Stories

For some, this is a Christmas tradition. Nothing brings a family closer than gathering around the couch and reading ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas or some other holiday classic.

I – Ice skating

Ice skating can be a fun activity with friends or even a cute date with your boyfriend or girlfriend. So strap on some ice skates and have fun, whether you are gliding gracefully creating figure eights or barely able to shuffle along the ice. Have fun doing this and if you fall just laugh it off and continue having fun!

S – Secret Santa

Get a group of family or friend together and play a fun game of Secret Santa. Not only does the mystery add fun to this game but this brings you all closer and allows you to get to know more about the other person as you find their interests in order to purchase the perfect gift for them.

T – Tree Trimming

Decorating the Christmas tree (or trees) is a holiday favorite. Grab the garland, the Christmas lights, the star or angel topper and have fun decorating together with this festive Christmas activity.

M – Movie Marathons

Grab the snacks and gather ‘round the television to watch hilarious or romantic holiday movies or TV shows. You’re guaranteed to have a good laugh with your friends or family and get into the holiday spirit with this fun activity.

A – Angels & Snowman Making

Create angels in the snow or build a charming (or hilarious) looking snowman with family, friends, or your significant other. Also, a little competition never hurt anyone, so have fun!

S – Snowball Fights

And speaking of competition… snowball fights are a fun way to spend part of your day and can warm you up on such a cold day. So roll up some snow and throw. Let the Games begin!

Thank you for reading this article, I hope you enjoyed it, please don't forget to share! Thanks! Happy Holidays!! :)