8 Ways to Keep Busy During the Winter Break

There's lots of activities you can do to make your Christmas holidays a memorable one.

The countdown until Christmas Break is always an exciting time; but let’s face it, as much as we all look forward to the winter holidays , things tend to get boring after a few days. I mean, there’s only so much shopping and Internet surfing a person can take. So, if you find yourself in this situation and are looking for something fun and productive to do, here are some suggestions on how to make your holiday break a little more meaningful and enjoyable.

1. Organize a coat drive

The next few months are the coldest of the year and not everyone is lucky enough to have access to clothes to keep themselves warm. Get together with friends and family and round up as many used jackets, sweaters, blankets, scarves, hats and anything else warm you’re able to find. Advertise within your community and go around picking up donations. Once you’ve collected all the clothes you can, donate them to a clothing bank in your city. People will be extremely grateful, and it’s a surefire way to land you on Santa’s nice list!

2. Stitch your own stockings

All you need is a sewing kit and a couple of pieces of fleece. Go online for a simple tutorials, or just wing it. Hang the finished product above your mantle, or give it as a unique gift. You don’t have to be an experienced seamstress for this project; you’ve only got to be willing to try something new on a winter afternoon. It doesn’t matter how the stocking turns out, all that matters is that you have a jolly good time doing it!

3. Visit a Christmas Market

Around this time of year, many schools, churches and community centres hold holiday craft fairs. Find one happening in your area and check it out. You might come across a new addition for your Christmas tree, a stocking stuffer or the perfect gift for that last person on your list. If you have crafts or treats you’d like to sell at the fair, get in touch with the organizer about setting up a stand of your own and making some cash!

4. Support Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child is a global gift exchange that you could be a part of. Although it's too late to put together your own physical shoebox filled with with gifts, toys, school supplies and other personal gifts, you can still pack a shoebox online.  It will then be given to a child in need.

5. Go to the theatre

During Christmastime there is bound to be at least a few holiday shows playing somewhere near you. Take your family and friends to a local theatre and see a live performance of maybe The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol. It’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

6. Organize a Secret Santa

Gather a group of friends, and draw names out of a hat so that everybody gets a different person. Buy a gift for the person you’ve gotten, meet up and exchange presents. Then, everybody guesses who bought him or her their gift! It’s a great game that keeps you guessing till the end, and a good way to save money, because you’ve only got to buy one present!

7. Host a New Year's Eve party

It can be as elaborate as Times Square, or as simple as a few friends over to watch the ball drop. However you choose to do it, make sure you have activities organized. Play holiday games, watch the live coverage of Times Square or watch old holiday films. Don't forget to have plenty of decorations and refreshments ready so that your guests can welcome 2012 the right way!

8. Make some serious New Year's resolutions

The beginning of 2012 marks a fresh start. So, in the weeks leading up January 1st, find time to sit down and really think about all the things you wish you had done or done better in 2011. Whether it’s getting homework in on time, being a better friend or helping out more in your community, come up with a list of attainable and realistic resolutions and make 2012 your best year yet!