Things to do during the holidays besides drinking
Written by Morgan, a Mom with a Mocktail and a new baby! She’s celebrating her son’s first Christmas this year.
The holidays are a fun time of year for family, friends and for making memories. These fun times don’t have to involve alcohol. I have comprised a list of 10 fun activities of things to do during the holidays besides drinking. Enjoy!
Bake cookies at home.
This activity is fun and delicious! You can dedicate a whole day to
baking and then take some cookies to your neighbors. Turn on some
Christmas music, throw on your apron and get to baking.
(Natalie, Mama with a Mocktail, likes to bake peanut butter blossom
cookies. Here’s my favorite Betty Crocker recipe . They are really easy and not too sweet. )
Go look at Christmas lights.
Whether it’s walking through your neighborhood to look at lights or
driving around town to count how many houses have lights up around
you, this is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.
(Fun fact, Morgan’s now husband, proposed to her at Christmas Tree
Lane.)
Make hot cocoa and watch a Christmas movie.
There is nothing better than curling up on the couch with a cup of warm
hot cocoa to watch a Christmas movie. There is no alcohol needed
because the cocoa will make you feel warm and fuzzy by itself. Make
sure you add marshmallows or whipped cream—or both! No judgement
here. :)
Do a DIY Christmas project.
If you are feeling a bit crafty, this activity is for you. Grab your supplies
and get too creating. You could make your own ornament, garland, a
cute sign...the possibilities are endless! Plus you’ll end up with a
keepsake that you can cherish for years to come.
Read by the fire (or heater).
I know I said watching a movie and drinking hot cocoa is cozy, but this
may be even better. Grab your softest blanket and curl up next to a
roaring fire with your favorite book. If you don’t have a fireplace, curling
up near the heater works, too! Or even under a nice warm blanket.
Make Christmas cards.
You can make cards digitally or buy some at the store, but another fun
activity to do this time of year is to make and send Christmas cards. The
best part is your family and friends benefit from this, too! Sending them
a card shows them that you are thinking about them. And, who doesn’t
love getting mail?!?
Build a gingerbread house with family or friends.
This activity is a little on the messy side, but it is definitely a blast! You
can buy a gingerbread house kit or gather your own supplies and make
your own. Just because it is called a gingerbread house, that does not
mean you have to use gingerbread cookies. You could use graham
crackers or even Pop Tarts. The best part is afterwards you can eat all
the yummy building supplies.
Wrap presents while listening to Christmas music or watching a Christmas movie.
Wrapping presents may not be your thing, but you can make it more fun by
adding some jolly Christmas music to the mix. Turn on your favorite Christmas
album (or movie) and get to wrapping.
Take a walk.
Getting outside and moving is a great way to change your mood. When
I’ve had enough of being inside, I find some fresh air really recharges
me! Here is California, we’ve been lucky to have some amazing 70
degree days. I’ve been enjoying the outdoors and feel refreshed after I
get myself moving.
Donate or give to others
Donate a toy to Toys for Tots to help someone in need.
There are so many kids who will not be receiving any Christmas gifts
this year. If you are able, pick up a toy at the store and take it to a toy
drive local to you. Not only will this be a fun activity for you, but you will
bring a smile to a child in need’s face. That is what Christmas is all
about.
You could also make a care package of goodies for your neighbors or
friends. Or, make a bouquet and surprise a friend and put it on their
doorstep. Think of ways that you can put a smile on someone’s
face.
Hope this list of things to do during the holidays besides drinking gives you some
ideas of ways that you can stay alcohol free this holiday season.