1.     Go Ice Skating:

Going ice skating during the wintertime is one of the best bonding experiences.  It’s perfect for families, friends or that special someone.  Whether it’s at the Brewster Ice Arena near home or on the skating rink in Rockefeller Center, it’s always fun to get active, even if you end up falling all over the ice.

2.     Ski/ Snowboard/Tubing:

Getting outside in the snow is one of the best parts of winter.  You can make a day trip to Thunder Ridge or Catamount or take a longer strip and visit Mt. Snow, Stratton, in Vermont, or Gore Mountain in New York.  Either way you are getting active and enjoying the snowy season.  This is another great way to bond with friends and family. 

3. Visit the Tree and Window Shop in NYC:

During the winter, since we live to close to New York City, we should take advantage of their variety of festive activities.  Window shopping is one of the best things to do while walking around the city. The top 5 places in NYC to window shop include the Upper East Side, Fifth Ave, SoHo, Williamsburg, and the Fulton Mall.  If you’re near the city make sure to check these places out!

4. Build a Snowman!

It really doesn’t matter how old you are…building snowmen will always be fun. (Idea by Alyssa Loffredo). 

5. Watch a Holiday Movie:

There are so many festive movies out there.  You can stream one in the car or watch it on the plane if you’re leaving for vacation or you can always curl up by the fire in your fuzzy socks and pjs and watch it at home.  Some of my personal favorites are Elf, Holiday in Handcuffs, Home Alone, The Polar Express, and A Christmas Story.

6.  Give Someone a Gift:

The holidays are the season of giving.  Pick out something nice or make something for a friend, mom, dad, or your sibling.  Be creative and have fun with it! Little things really do go a long way around the holidays!

7. BAKE!

There’s so many options here.  You can decorate cookies with friends, or make peppermint bark and hot coco.  Bake something for a neighbor or for a holiday party! Whatever you choose to make will be delicious and will make everyone who tries it wanting more.

8.  Make a Gingerbread House:

This activity is perfect for kids of all ages.  Who doesn’t love decorating and making a house with something they can eat at the end.  You can get a kit from your local grocery store, or go the home-made route and use graham crackers and a milk carton.  (Idea by Simrit Uppal). 

9.  Drive Around Neighborhoods and See the Holiday Lights:

Take a ride with family and friends and enjoy everyone’s festive decorations.  Rank the houses and decide who has the best decor in your neighborhood.

10. Ugly Sweater Party:

I absolutely love Ugly Sweater Parties! They are so fun and make an ample opportunity to take festive pictures with your friends.  Each sweater is uglier than the next and you will all look hilarious together!