A Teen’s Guide to a Wondrous Winter Break
Although living in California can sometimes make it hard to know when winter officially arrives, the one thing that lets you know for certain is when the school bell for the long anticipated Winter Break finally rings.
Whether it’s 75 degrees and sunny or cold and wet, Winter Break is always a welcomed time away from school and a relaxing break from the hectic schedules we all endure.
The best part about Winter Break is that it allows us time to recharge and refocus. There are so many wondrous things to do. If you’re looking for festive activities, look no further than the expansive list below.
Winter Break opens the door to great activities and opportunities from ice skating in San Francisco’s Union Square or Walnut Creek on Ice, to hiking through Muir Woods.
Take a weekend trip with friends and family to see snow in Lake Tahoe, or drive to Ocean Beach and have a bonfire and reminisce about the summer months.
Ride BART to San Francisco to see a Nutcracker performance and visit the shops to get into the holiday spirit and purchase gifts for your loved ones.
Winter Break also provides the opportunity to snuggle up at home and read a good book, listen to holiday music and decorate the house.
It’s also a great time to dust off the cookbooks and try out recipes new and old. Depending on how ambitious you feel, you can plan a holiday dinner extravaganza or relax a bit and bake some old favorites, like chocolate chip cookies or blueberry muffins.
Feeling competitive? Host a gingerbread house decorating competition with friends and family. There’s no place warmer and more welcoming than a bustling kitchen during the holidays.
Winter Break is also the perfect time to reflect on the year and think about giving back. Toy drives and volunteering are fun and rewarding ways to spend time and give back to the community.
The Food Bank of Contra Costa and local soup kitchens can always use an extra set of hands or donations. It’s also a good way to help spread holiday cheer. Get a group of friends together and make it a collective and fun outing.
Bring some holiday cheer to others by visiting retirement homes or assisted living facilities. Take the time to write cards or talk to seniors to bring them much needed joy during the holiday season.
Declutter and organize your space for the new year and donate the items you no longer need to charities or shelters.
Spend quality time with friends and family or get in touch with relatives or friends who live far away.
Finally, reflect on the past year and how you can improve in 2024 by writing down a New Year’s resolution list.
Whatever path you choose for this Winter Break, know that the opportunities are boundless. Enjoy each activity to the fullest, embrace the downtime and do what makes you feel happy and fulfilled.
