While finals are creeping ever closer, so is the relief and freedom of winter break. With the recently changed break schedule, students are now free to enjoy break without needing to reserve time for finals studying, and they can truly enjoy themselves. Whether to stay inside and curl up to stay warm or roam around outside to breathe in the cool air, it is a relief to get a break from school stress. To truly make the most of the holiday season, Mustangs, here are some winter hangout ideas!
Holiday Baking
To complement the colder weather, warm baked goods are always fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat. Especially as baking can be a great outlet that involves all five senses, a hangout with friends spent making a mess of the kitchen, and enjoying the warmth of freshly baked goods. Also, the company is sure to release any remaining stress (CNET). Especially as there’s a variety of recipes online, or even premade kits in stores, that can be adjusted to each house’s needs, planning a hangout for baking is fairly simple. Not to mention the baked treats can be enjoyed alongside other activities. Longer yeasted foods leave time during the process to relax, and shorter recipes allow time for the group to bond for longer with delicious snacks.
Binging Movies
Binging movies is a possible addition to the last suggestion, or could even have a day dedicated to lounging on the couch with blankets and pillows galore. Planning a day entirely for movies or TV shows is truly a great way to indulge in an activity not usually allowed in a busy school schedule. Planning is even easier as any attendees can use their own streaming services and cast onto the TV. For those who want to refuel in the comfort of a home, not yet ready to go out again, this is the perfect solution!
Ice Skating
Especially as Yorba Linda and Orange County as a whole do not experience snow, ice skating is a great way to be immersed in the cold. Ice skating requires no real skill. As Rui Zhao (10) recounts from his first time, “Ice skating for the first time was still fun, especially as I could just be pushed around on the seal.” It’s a great way to spend an hour laughing at each other and goofing around without the need to impress. Now that sweater weather has arrived, the activity does not require bringing extra clothes either; just be sure to be ready for a couple of bruises.
Downtown Disney
A great way to get steps in, Downtown Disney is another place to consider this winter break. On a day with fairer weather when the cold isn’t unbearable, walking around the park while eating a crispy churro and taking pictures for memories is very worthwhile. A quick walk to the hotel also allows access to a photobooth, so there is a physical keepsake as well.
While the semester ending feels like a ticking time bomb, the solace of set grades and two weeks of leisure also draws closer. To put a positive spin on these last weeks, Emma Wang (11) shares, “in preparation for break, I find myself enjoying Christmas shopping as well. Sometimes it is added stress, but most of the time it’s a welcome escape.” Students, regardless of workload and class choice, all deserve to take advantage of the break and enjoy themselves after months of exams, lectures, and studying. There are only a couple of weeks left before winter break, push through Mustangs!
