12 ways to spend the 12 days of Christmas Break

With exams quickly approaching and stress overwhelming everyone, many students are longing for the 12 days of Christmas Break and to be able to relax and enjoy the time away from schoolwork. To avoid wasting your time off, the Milestone has compiled a list of 12 ways to spend your 12 days of Christmas Break.

Sleep in!

Without the rush of school work and deadlines, take the time to catch up on rest and to let yourself relax. Turn off your alarm for the next 12 days and use the time to take care of yourself, feel the ease of being on break, and stop worrying about schoolwork.

Volunteer

An extremely important way of participating in the Christmas spirit is to get involved in your local community to share the message of giving. Volunteer at local soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and other organizations. Some of these are: Over the Rhine Soup Kitchen, Bethany House Services, Inc., Shelterhouse, St. Vincent de Paul, and Matthew 25 Ministries.

Catch up on your favorite TV shows

Due to long hours between work, school, and family, you have most likely fallen behind in one of your favorite shows or have not had a chance to start one you would like to watch. Take advantage of the days you have free, sit back, and binge the episodes you haven’t gotten a chance to watch yet. The Milestone suggests The Office, Stranger Things, Friends, God Friended Me, and The Middle.

Set your goals for the new year

With the new year approaching, it is time to set in place new year resolutions for the upcoming season, and to plan for the future after reflecting on the past year. Think about what hasn’t gone well and how you plan to change it. Setting goals for balancing school, work, and family as well as a money saving goal is a good place to start.

Go ice skating

Grab your friends and family and go visit the local rinks around Cincinnati! The U.S. Bank Ice Rink at Fountain Square is open from Dec. 19 – Jan 4., Summit Park Ice Rink (hours vary), and Northland Ice Center is open daily (hours vary).

Bake a treat

The holidays are a time for joy and love, while also hopefully means time for meals with family. Bake something new to take to the family holiday, or even build a gingerbread house with your friends! Using graham crackers and icing is a cheap alternative to a purchased gingerbread house kit, and everyone always has candies and sprinkles in the pantry to add for decoration.

Go see a play

Cincinnati is home to many theaters that stage festive plays for the season. Some ideas include: The Nutcracker from Cincinnati Ballet, Dec. 13-24 at Music Hall; A Charlie Brown Christmas, Live on Stage at the Aronoff Center on Nov. 17; A Christmas Carol at the Playhouse in the Park, Nov. 21 – Dec. 29; and Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!), with the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Dec. 14-30.

Christmas in Loveland

Visit Loveland, Ohio, for the annual Christmas in Loveland holiday. Have your picture taken with Santa Claus as your partake in carriage rides and Christmas treats from the many local businesses. The celebration kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 15, and runs from 4-9 p.m. For more information, click here.

Last minute Christmas shopping

While on break it can become easy to forget about responsibilities due to the relaxation, so remember to go out and buy presents for your loved ones before it’s too late! Kenwood Mall is a favorite, and they have extended hours during the holiday season. Don’t forget to shop local as well. Milford, Loveland, Hyde Park, and Over the Rhine are home to many local retailers who will have the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

Make a Christmas Tune playlist

Make a catchy playlist to listen to while participating in the holiday season to help put you in the mood of the joy of Christmas! Create a Spotify playlist and share it with friends and family as part of your gift to them.

Go to a drive-thru light show

Though many think of the Coney Island Christmas Night of Lights drive-thru when they think of Christmas activities in Cincinnati, more great drive-thru alternatives include Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods, Light Up Middletown, and Holiday Lights on the Hill at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Hamilton. Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods is open from Nov. 16 through Dec. 31 (hours vary), while Light Up Middletown is open from 6-10pm from Nov. 22 to Dec. 31. Each event could also include a minimal fee per car.