Tag: holiday season

  • Holiday Activities That are a Must

    Holiday Activities That are a Must

    Holidays are expensive. Therefore, they can absolutely suck sometimes.

    Hey, I’m one of the broke and humble ones. I still got holiday shopping to do; I’m hosting this year’s Christmas dinner, I haven’t gotten a tree or decorations, and my list goes on and on…and on. While the hectic atmosphere that comes with the holidays makes you wonder why we have them in the first place, there are some things that you know are just meant for this time of year.

    Best part? Most of these activities won’t cost you a dime.

    Worst Part? Your kids or loved ones might get on your last nerve and cause that annual holiday nervous breakdown.

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    Here are some activities that are family friendly and hopefully won’t break the bank!

    Gingerbread Houses

    Do you know the muffin man? The one who lives on Drury lane?

    Fun fact: I did not know gingerbread houses were edible till my junior year of high school.

    Growing up, my family wasn’t big on sweets during the holidays. We ate our dinner, drank tea with cardamom infused biscuits, and moved on with life.

    Yeah, yeah, I know, it was traumatizing.

     

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    I had my first gingerbread house when I was working at a daycare center in college. I’ve learned that making it from scratch may be a process, but oh, was it worth it. Everyone has a role when it comes to building a gingerbread house, and I do mean everyone. We’ve got frosting and candies and milk and of course the main man, the gingerbread man.

    Kids love it as everything is hands-on and hey, they’re building a mini house for Gingy. What’s more Christmas-y than that? Just don’t forget the gumdrop buttons.

    Homemade Ornaments

    Want to make these holiday memories last forever? Build your own ornaments. There are several ideas for decorations. They may require to pull out your arts and crafts drawer, but I guarantee you, that is the best part. At the end of the day, you’ll have them hanging on that tree, and you could not be more proud of your creation.

    Cookies, Cookies, Cookies!

    Pick a cookie, folks, any cookie. We’ve got iced sugar cookies, snickerdoodle, chocolate chip blondies, mudslide cookies, gingerbread cookies, and over a hundred more.

    I make chocolate chip cookies with salted pecans in my house weekly. It’s a favorite among the hubby and my one-year-old. Holiday cookies are a whole other story, though. Even though we have a drawer full of cookie cutters, I always need more. Before you judge me, check yourself because I know I’m not alone in this.

     

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    They are my weakness. My Achilles heel, if you will.

    But ’tis the season, amirite? If by the end of December, I have more than one hundred dollars in my bank account, then was it truly Christmas??

    Snow Angels Turn to Snow Fights

    Damn you, California. Your beautiful sandy, sunny beaches have made me intolerable to the cold. Growing up in Southern California, I witnessed snow about…zero times per year. If we wanted to see snow, we’d turn on the Discovery channel and hope they were doing some documentary about the polar expedition.

    When my folks took us to Big Bear Lake for the first time, we thought it’d be fun to have a snow fight.

    Worst. Idea. Ever.

    Spoiler alert: snow is not soft like in the movies. It is solid. And tough. And hurts.  One thing’s for sure though, being surrounded by mountains of snow during the holidays sure makes it feel a lot like Christmas.

    Some More S’mores

    S’mores are not only a campfire favorite, but a holiday must as well! Gather up your friends, family, and all your loved ones. If you don’t have a fireplace, you can always use your stove to make s’mores. Here are a few recipes that will have your family begging for more.

     

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    The list of must-do activities for the holidays is endless. There’s Christmas tree shopping, decorating the house, carolling, holiday lights tour, and even movie nights that capture the true meaning of the holidays. No matter what you choose to do, make sure you don’t get caught up in the hectic atmosphere and always remember what the holidays are all about: being surrounded by family and friends and being grateful for all you have.

     

  • Top 5 Places To See This Holiday Season

    Top 5 Places To See This Holiday Season

    Whether you’re planning on staying home for the holidays or wanting to escape to some exotic location, everything around us is a constant reminder that a new year is upon us. With the streets being decorated and everyone carrying a red cup filled with something cinnamon or pumpkin infused. Everyone is completely engrossed in preparing for the holidays or getting ready to book with an airline that’s offering a great deal.

    Whether you choose a warm Christmas, a cold Christmas, or even no Christmas, here are the places you need to see this holiday season.

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    Nuremberg, Germany

    What do CNN, Business Insider, and Forbes all have in common? They all agree that Nuremberg will not only warm your heart but create some of the best memories of your life. Known as Germany’s “Christmas City,” Nuremberg is infamous for its Christmas market, AKA Christkindlesmarkt (try saying that three times), that sets its stalls right in the middle of town.

    The people of this fantastic town come together and sell homemade ornaments, wooden figures, sweet gingerbread, and the delicious aroma of food and spices fill the night air. Holiday music, twinkling lights, and a possible snowfall that will make you feel like you’re in a fairy winter wonderland.

    New York, New York

    Does anyone else read “New York, New York” and immediately start singing the classic Frank Sinatra song?

    No? Is it just me?

    I find it so strange when I hear that people are trying to get out of the city when the holidays are just right around the corner. It’s the most wonderful time of the year after all and what’s more wonderful than Christmas in New York?

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    The Big Apple is filled with incredible historical landmarks that all get a makeover for the holidays. New York is known for its tree lighting ceremonies,  Triumph Hotels Holiday Window Walking Tour, botanical gardens, ice skating at Bryant Park, Central Park, and so much more.

    Many places around the world get a makeover for the holidays, but New York is one of those places that seems to capture the soul of Christmas.

    Vienna, Austria

    Pack up your gloves and fur boots because once you know that magic that is Vienna, you will want to add it to your bucket list of places to see. Vienna is quickly growing to be one of the most popular destinations for tourists in the holidays. Vienna holds their Christmas Market from mid-November till New Years.

    The market is held in Schonbrunn Palace and is one of the attractions you cannot miss.

    If you get sick of the cold, you can always go for a good craft beer as Vienna is known for its famous breweries. If beer’s not your thing, you can always visit the Imperial Butterfly House.

    Sounds fancy, right?

    All you gotta do is sit there, watch the butterflies, and enjoy your natural surroundings.

    Tromso, Norway

    Two words. Northern Lights.

    I feel like people from Norway have Norway on their list of places to see. There’s one thing you need to know about Norwegians, and that is that they love their Christmas holiday. On November 26th, the sun sets in Norway, and you will not see it again until January 21st.

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    Dead. Serious.

    This will not only give the city’s holiday makeover a chance to shine because it will be complete darkness (known as polar night).

    This sets the stage for the flickers of blue, pink, orange, and yellow light that will flicker across the night sky. It’s like the sunset but in a pitch black sky. The Northern Lights are one of Mother Nature’s most miraculous sights, and if you’re lucky, you might see them.

    Other than all the Christmas markets and mouthwatering food that will be held at the town’s square, there will also be a giant Christmas tree that will light up the city and people’s mood!

    There will be dancing, singing, and let’s face it, lots of drinking.

    Aruba

    Aruba?? Why’s it even on this list?

    Well, because unfortunately, not everyone likes the cold. Some people like sandy beaches, and warm weather, and suntan lotion. I was raised in California, so I kind of get it.

    Other than being known as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, Aruba is also famous for its amazing sunny weather all year round. Their crystal blue waters are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

    Tripsavvy

    This little island is filled with rich culture, kind people, killer waves, and endless adventures. If that’s not enough to sell you, wait till you try their food! Because Aruba is so diverse, your taste buds will get a taste of Italy, Columbia, Dutch, and so much more.

    It’s always bikini season here! Nothing to do but tan up and live it up.