Holiday lights line the streets and there is a chill in the air. The “most wonderful time of the year” has begun. With stressful finals and glum weather, winter days can pass by in a blurr, and it can be hard to keep the season festive. So here are five cheerful things to cross of your list this holiday season.

Buy Peppermint Hot Chocolate From Starbucks:

During the holidays, there is nothing better than a warm cup of hot chocolate. No matter one’s age, this sweet beverage can thaw even the coldest of hearts. The taste of original hot chocolate with a minty kick can be enjoyed from Starbucks, but only for the holiday season!

Wear a Holiday Sweater:

During December, the air gets crisper and people begin to replace the summer clothes lining their closet with ones that are more suitable for the change in weather. Warm and cozy sweaters are the perfect choice for the festivities. A fun way to make layering up fun is to show off an ugly holiday sweater. Whether it’s a  DIY or store-bought, ugly holiday sweaters are a must.

Make Homemade Cookies:

Nothing can beat the feeling of coming home in the middle of the winter to freshly baked cookies. Making cookies can be a fun holiday activity. Like a canvas for your tastebuds, decorating cookies with frosting or sprinkles can make it festive. And eating them afterward is even better. The link below is for a classic sugar cookie recipe. Though simple, the crisp edges and soft centers will melt in your mouth. These cookies make a perfect present too (if you don’t eat them first).

https://therecipecritic.com/the-best-sugar-cookies-ever/

Go Ice Skating:

Ice skating can really put students in the festive mindset. With Central Park’s ice skating rink right around the corner from SCHS, it is perfect for students to embrace this holiday season. For $15, one can enjoy the spirit of winter in the middle of the usually-warm California. Close and convenient, the ice skating rink is a place where students and adults alike can enjoy the spirit of the holidays.

Listen to the Best Holiday Songs:

Cheerful and catchy, most holiday songs are perfect for all ages and provide a warm, comfortable environment. To listen to the most beloved songs of the holiday season, check out The Roar’s Spotify playlist with staffer favorites. From Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” to “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” these songs are sure to get you excited for the holiday season and best of all, Winter Break!  

Playlist link: https://spoti.fi/2Byop8P