The 3 F-Bombs of the Holiday Season
The holiday season is upon us and is generally all about the three F-bombs...family, friendship, and food. Depending on your situation, that can be highly anticipated or sorely dreaded. The burden of trying to meet unrealistic expectations mixed with grey and sometimes gloomy days can make the next few months challenging for even the jolliest of souls. Sometimes, having an "experience" planned can help alleviate any unwanted stress or anxiety. Besides, experiences are more memorable than material tokens. So this year, why not plan some memory making moments to help ward off the winter blues or any possibly formidable festivities. Here are a few suggestions for some forced fun that might help truly make it a wonderful time of year.
Plan a fondue night. Set up several options: hot oil and dipping sauces for meats, cheese for bread cubes, pretzels, and veggies, and chocolate for cake, berries, and marshmallows. You can even provide the fondue and have others bring the dipping items.
Find a local place where you can create a piece of art: a painting, a sculpture, a craft. You can learn a new skill, create something original, and take home a momento to remember the adventure. Here is a place to check out in NYC.
Go see a Broadway show. This is sure to keep you in good spirits. Not in NYC? Here’s a list of musicals and plays touring around the country right now — find one near you.
Schedule a progressive dinner and travel to different homes for cocktails, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. That way no one has to provide an entire meal, and traveling from place to place keeps the evening chatter light and fun.
Sign up for a cooking class. Learn to bake a cake, roll sushi, or make homemade pasta. Some chefs even travel and will come to your home and teach you right in your very own kitchen.
Plan a game night. Poker, Never Have I Ever, Who's Most Likely To..., Cards Against Humanity, Let’s F*cking Date (if you want to get a little saucy 😉)…there are so many to choose from! Or, if you aren’t in the mood to host, head over to a board game cafe like The Uncommons.
Make your own pizza night is always a hit. Provide the dough, toppings, and wine, then make, bake, and eat.
Get a group together, and go look at holiday lights in a neighborhood near you. If you’re in the NYC area, I highly suggest checking out the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. If not, here is a list of the best holiday light displays by state.
Volunteering is sure to get you in the spirit! Whether you donate to a toy drive, serve in a soup kitchen, or participate in a community cleanup, giving back is sure to put a smile on your face.
I don’t know about other cities, but NYC is *swimming* with holiday bars and pop-ups during November and December, so why not do a holiday bar crawl? Here is a recommendation to get you started. Happy holidays!
