Have you ever been in the predicament where you want to hang out with your friends, family, or boyfriend/girlfriend but don’t know what to do? Where you don’t want to go to that same restaurant or go to the movie theatre and spend a ridiculous amount of money to watch a sub-par movie? Or when you want to get in the holiday spirit but don’t know where to start? If your answer is “yes” alongside a lot of your peers around you, then here are a few activities to do while having fun with the people you love, while still being in the holiday spirit.

Madeline Mortell ‘18, who is on the girls golf team and Guys and Dolls, gives the first great idea of an at home movie night. She says, “Movies are such a fun way to bond and if you are in the comfort of your own home it makes it ten times better. On top of being comfy, you get to watch throwback holiday movies while not paying outrageous movie theatre prices.”

Number two on the list is “Friendsgiving.” Even if you don’t usually celebrate Thanksgiving with the big spread of food, get a group of you friends together and pick one of your houses to have celebrate  “Friendsgiving” . It can either be a potluck style where everyone brings an entree or dessert, or you and your friends can make it into an afternoon to evening activity and cook together. Not only are you eating delicious food, but also bonding and creating good memories that will last a lifetime with your friends.

Next up is Secret Santa. According to varsity basketball player Jake Kosakowski ‘18, “It’s a fun way to make new friends and actually give somebody something nice for the holidays who might not be able to get nice things.” It’s also very cost efficient if you are on a budget. Get a bunch of your friends, draw names from  a hat, set a price limit so everyone has an equal gift, then exchange when everyone is ready.

Lastly, be sure to give back this holiday season. Donating to a food pantry or volunteering somewhere is a great way to give back to the community and the less fortunate. You can set up an activity with whomever and once you complete it, you will not only have helped someone who is in desperate need of assistance, you will go into the new year with a good hearted mindset.

Picture Credits: Kevin Gist Whitney Young Alumna from Class of 1981