After stashing Halloween costumes in my closet and clearing my fridge of Thanksgiving leftovers, I know the holiday season is approaching. Pulling out my fuzzy socks from my drawer and putting on my favorite Christmas movie, Elf, my next question was what I was going to do in honor of the winter season. In the little time there is between getting ready for my seven finals and going Black Friday shopping, here are my top three winter bucket list items that’ll make the cold, grey days a little bit more festive.
Ice skating:
When you start to get symptoms of cabin fever from being pinned up in your house all day because of the weather, ice skating is the perfect activity to escape the claustrophobia and get some fresh air. Getting a group together to go to the rink at The Ice at Park Place in Town Center or downtown at Crown Center Ice Terrace can be the perfect winter adventure.
Whether you’re a natural Gracie Gold on the ice or just lacing your skates up for the first time, taking a day trip to the rink is a classic winter activity. Put your skill level aside and enjoy a day on the ice.
Making gingerbread houses:
My ultimate family tradition is our yearly gingerbread house building competition. There’s usually no clear winner, but the excitement and competitiveness of trying to design the best house is a staple activity in the Funkey house. Not only can you display your masterpiece as a holiday decoration, you get to tap into your creative side as well, making each detail your own.
Sitting down to decorate your house, turning on your winter playlist and grabbing a hot chocolate is the perfect atmosphere to distract you as you take a break from all your pre-final Chemistry homework.
Christmas lights:
The serotonin burst I get when Christmas lights start to appear on houses is something I always look forward to during the holiday season. You can make a night of driving to all the different light displays such as the Plaza lights, Candy Cane Lane, Swope Park Light Show and nearby neighborhoods.
With the seat warmers on high, my friends and I piled into my five-seat car and drove around the Plaza and Brookside looking at all the different holiday lights. The shows that coordinate with your radio are definitely must-see during your Kansas City light tour.