The holiday season is the time of year for warding off wintertime blues. People can distract themselves by celebrating the winter solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and the changing from the old year to the new one.
Some cultural or faith-based practices go back to ancient times. Today though, many create additional ways to commemorate this season, turning them into personal, family, and community traditions.
Holiday open house
Now is the time to take care of all those social obligations you’ve racked up over the year. Throw an annual holiday open house, invite friends, neighbors, or business associations. The food preparations should be much less intensive than for a dinner party, and you can decorate your home in a way that showcases your own traditions. You can even do this as a part of a local fundraiser if you wish to open your home more broadly.
Shopping as a team sport
Shopping is not just about buying things. Sure, it’s a way to acquire items you keep or give to others. However, holiday shopping is its own animal. It is a holiday bonding activity in which people forage for great deals on electronics, clothing, or gifts they might find a recipient.
Taking holiday getaways
This might be a trip to grandma’s house, but it is also a handy time to take the kids on a trip while school is out for winter break. Popular locations for winter travel are warmer places or locations. In previous years, AAA has predicted 107.3 million Americans would be on the go from Dec. 23 through Jan. 1.
Playing board games
While on break from school and work, the long dark nights of the holiday season are a perfect time to turn off the TV and dust off those board games. There are great new games that can become a holiday tradition if you play them long enough. Remember, there’s nothing like a rousing game of Twister to get the gang laughing and burning off extra holiday pounds.
Activities with the elderly community
Most communities have at least one long-term care center where residents may not have many visitors. Activity directors set up events where groups can volunteer together, sing carols, lead bingo sessions, or visit with other residents. See whether your workplace, church group, or social club would like to start this caring holiday tradition.
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