Coming home for the holidays involves a multitude of things: A re-introduction to real meals, amazing shower pressure, and not sleeping in an “extra long twin.” However, the real beauty of Winter Break is that you get to have fun, explore and relax, without worrying about class schedules or exams. Here is a list of the top 5 things you can do for fun this break, all while on a budget!
1: Ice-Skating
Whether you dream of being in the cast of Frozen-On-Ice, or you simply want to laugh at your friends falling, ice skating is a guaranteed good time.
Pro Tip: Sometimes the most well-known rinks can be pricey, be sure to do your google work and check out rinks located in parks or government sponsored arenas. For example, in NYC’s public park, Bryant Park, skating is 100% free!
2. Hostess with The Mostess
Winter Break is a rare time when all your High School besties are back in the same zip code. Host a get together at your house (with your parents permission of course) and share your legendary college tales. Spread holiday cheer and spice things up by choosing a theme (think Diddy’s White Party meets Night Before Christmas).
Pro Tip: Download the game “Heads Up!” on your phone (available in the App Store). It’s guaranteed that someone will pee their pants.
3. You Are a Cinema-a-a-a
When you watch all your shows through Netflix or Hulu, sometimes it’s hard to remember which films are out in theaters. Do some YouTubing for trailers, and make a list with your friends or family including the top 3 movies you want to see.
Pro tip: Go to a matinee viewing, they are always cheaper. Unless it’s nice out, in which case you should probably not sit in a dark hole for 3 hours.
WayUp’s top picks so far:
-Interstellar
-Horrible Bosses 2
-The Theory of Everything
4. Roaaaaaaad Trip!
Take a few of your closest friends, pool money for gas and Chex Mix…and hit the open road. You don’t have to drive cross-country, but a little adventure is a great way to spend quality time with friends before you head back to school. Pick a nearby attraction and go for it! Whether it’s climbing a mountain or going to visit the biggest doll collection in the tri-state, you’re guaranteed to come back with stories to last a lifetime.
Pro Tip: Go grocery shopping before and make sandwiches/snacks to tide you over.
5. Be Your Own Santa
No matter which holidays you may observe, this time of year is a great opportunity to give to those less fortunate. Every year, charities across America team up to bring toys to children less fortunate. The charities collect these letters, and you get to act like Santa on the other end! These requests are usually pretty small, a toy from Toys R Us, etc. Participating in these Secret Santa programs is a worthwhile way to bring joy to others at a very small price.
Pro Tip: If you can’t find a local charity participating, be sure to check out your local post-office as well.
