December 15, 2025 by Savannah Winter (‘26)
December is a time full of cheerful holidays, joy, hope, and the gift of giving. From baking cookies to donating to local charities, making hot cocoa to sitting by a lit-up tree, the holiday season is a magical time for all. It is the perfect time of the year to embrace the festivities and the snowy month. Here are some ways for you to get into the holiday spirit!
1. Watch a holiday movie marathon
Nothing is cozier than sitting on the couch with a warm blanket, hot cocoa, and watching a holiday movie! Some classic favorites include The Grinch, Home Alone, The Polar Express, A Christmas Story, and Elf. Make sure you watch these movies before the holiday season ends!
2. Bake cookies
Nothing is sweeter than a holiday cookie with special spices and decorations. From gingerbread to chocolate mint cookies, each is a wonderful way to taste the holiday spirit. Here are some links for baked goods!
https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/best-gingerbread-cookies/ https://inbloombakery.com/double-chocolate-peppermint-cookies/ https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/christmas-sugar-cookies/
3. Donate gifts to a local charity or gift drive
It is important that all kids who celebrate Christmas get to experience the holiday magic of Santa visiting their home to leave gifts under the tree. To help other kids in the community get their own special Christmas, you can donate or volunteer at charities to share kindness and joy this holiday season. Foundations including Give a Child a Christmas and The LiveLikeLiv Foundation are some of the local charities that are looking for gifts to offer kids in hospitals, homes, and the local community. The gift of giving is truly a magical way to embrace the holiday spirit! Visit those charities online to learn more!
4. Make homemade hot chocolate
During the cold months, it is important to stay warm while it snows outside! Hot cocoa is the perfect beverage to pair with a cookie or movie that will be sure to keep you cozy during the winter! Hot cocoa mix is the easy way to go, but nothing is tastier than homemade hot cocoa after a long day outside. This simple recipe will shock you with its sweet and rich flavor! https://food52.com/recipes/9669-perfect-hot-chocolate
5. Spend time with friends and family
Although cookies, decorations, and holiday movies are a great way to feel holiday magic, our family, friends, and being surrounded by our loved ones are the true way to embrace joy and gratitude this season. This month, ask a family member to drink some hot cocoa with you, offer a friend to watch a movie, or give a neighbor homemade cookies. It is here that the holiday spirit and magic flourish; within your own home with a crackling fire, surrounded by loved ones that we learn what this season is all about.