It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: The Perfect Winter Break Checklist

By: Zaara Hisamuddin

We can all agree that one of the most difficult stretches of the school year are the few weeks between Thanksgiving break and winter break. A notorious period when it feels like all your teachers decide to assign as many tests, presentations, and projects as they can at once. That's why it's important to make the most of your winter break and give yourself the relaxation you deserve! If you're planning to stay in town this year and need some ideas on winter and holiday-themed activities, this is the right checklist for you. 

Signature dessert at the 1906 restaurant

Longwood Gardens: Although it's too cold for your favorite flowers to bloom, Longwood Gardens is still a great place to visit during the winter! They do a great job of making your time there feel like a winter wonderland. Enjoy walking around and looking at the light arrangements, and stopping at a hot chocolate stand at every corner of the garden! If you get cold during the evening, enjoy a warm meal at the cafeteria. The terrarium is also beautifully decorated with wreaths, poinsettias, and Christmas trees.  If you're feeling fancy, Fraser Johnson, the president of the International Food Club at Tower Hill, highly recommends dining at the 1906 restaurant in the garden: "I thought that Longwood Gardens by itself was already amazing, but the 1906 is a beautiful addition. The precision of detail between the beautiful interior and the view of the fountains outside was a great complement to the food, which was delicious and visually stunning!"

Blanket making: If you're into crafts and want a cozy addition to your living room or bedroom, making your own DIY blanket is a perfect activity! Of course, there are multiple ways to make one, but here's my method: find two blankets with different patterns. Make sure they have the same measurements! Then, lay them on top of each other and cut all four corners of both blankets. Start cutting strips 4 inches into the sides of the blankets. Once you're finished cutting, tie the strips that are on top of each other together. Voila, you have a multi-patterned, DIY blanket!

Baking: Who doesn't love the smell of warm cookies on a snowy day? While I'm the type of person to buy the pre-made mixture from the store, if you enjoy working with your hands, look up some recipes online! Some ideas are brookies (a combination of brownies and cookies), muffins, sugar cookies, cinnamon rolls, and banana bread.

On an unrelated note, if you end up having too much food left over and want to get rid of it, please contact me at ths2760@towerhill.org, I will be happy to take care of it for you ;)

Winter Cleaning: While it may sound tedious, you may have to make room in your closet or drawers for any new gifts you receive during the holidays. It is also important to remember that donating clothes, winter gear, and old toys is crucial during this time of the year for families who are struggling to buy their children presents or keep them warm during this cold season. Not only will you feel satisfied giving back to your community, but cleaning your room will give you a fresh start for when school returns.

Ornament making: Run to Target or your local craft store and buy a cheap, easy-to-make ornament kit!

Skating Club of Wilmington

Ice skating: It's not a complete winter without going ice skating! Head over to your local ice rink (for me, it's the Skating Club of Wilmington) with friends or family! Who doesn't love watching their friends trying desperately not to faceplant in the middle of the rink? It may look a bit jarring at first, but it's easy to get used to, and I assure you that you will (mostly) get the hang of it after 30 minutes. Not to mention that ice skating is a good form of exercise, and trust me, you will feel it in your legs the next day. Although you may exit the rink a little sweaty (and possibly bruised), ice skating is a great form of socializing and exercise!

Christmas movie marathon: This activity is perfect for a lazy, cozy day! Grab your blankets, popcorn, and hot chocolate, and watch this list of movies (all found on Disney+) for your movie marathon:

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

2. A Charlie Brown Christmas

3. Elf

4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

5. Daddy's Home 2

6. The Polar Express

7. Home Alone