Holiday Fun Guide

Free and easy activities to bring

JOY

to your holiday season

Search Activities in Your Area

• Parades

• Special Events at Religious Organizations

• Festivals at Parks or Community Centers

• Santa Visits

• Fun Runs

• Christmas Light Viewing

• Tree Lightings

• Concerts

Parades

Arrive 30 minutes early to find parking and walk to where you can see the parade. Depending on the popularity and size of the town the parade will take place, it may be necessary to arrive even earlier to get a spot where you can see the parade.

Special Events at Religious Organizations

When an event is advertised to the public one can assume everyone is welcome regardless of religious views. Events include things like decorative “villages,” demonstrations of traditions such as games played at celebrations and craft projects, meals, and so forth. Religious organizations are often the most welcoming and accepting venues a person could take part in. You can go alone or with someone, you can wear what you’d like, and rarely (if ever) would you be put in an uncomfortable social situation.

Festivals at Parks or Community Centers

Everything from gingerbread house making to decorated horse carriage rides might be found at community events. Sometimes meals are included, some are used as fund raisers, and most are incredibly fun. You can remain as anonymous or social as you choose. These are usually the most frequently found events when searching for holiday events in your area. You should expect a crowd.

“We are better throughout the year for having in spirit become a child again at Christmas-time. ”

— Laura Engalls Wilder

Santa Visits

Santa isn’t just for kids. Ok, maybe the sitting on his lap part should be reserved for kids. But usually where there is a public Santa visit, there is also a spirit of joy and excitement. If his visit is simply for pictures, it’s probably only worth going if you plan to get a picture. However, usually his visits are surrounded by some additional holiday festivities.

Fun Runs

If you enjoy a community run/walk event, this is a great time of year to find one near you or in a destination of choice to gather with like-minded individuals. Fun runs are full of entertaining outfits, a festive t-shirt (usually), positive attitudes, and cheer to set your holiday off right. The names of runs this time of year are often quite clever!

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!

Valentine's Day

Love Yourself, Love Valentine’s Day

Why does Valentine’s Day trigger a panic response for some people? Or a sadness for others? Who even knows why we all got sucked into thinking a companionship was a prerequisite to enjoying the holiday? Let’s make Valentine’s Day a day to celebrate ourselves! We ALL have a Valentine. Just look in the mirror! You know who your first love should be? Yourself. If you are in a relationship, that can be a whole different set of stressors on this holiday. Don’t let it be. Talk to your love interest and decide on a reasonable way to acknowledge or celebrate the holiday.

What if when people asked, “are you getting anyone something for Valentine’s Day?” you replied, “Actually, yes - I’m treating myself to a day at the spa,” or “I sure am - I’m going to my favorite restaurant I only go to on special occasions,” or “yep - I’m getting the salted caramels I only buy for Valentine’s Day.”

To write this post I started by researching the origin of Valentine’s Day in an attempt to understand how we got to this place of thinking we have to be in a relationship or have a special crush to participate in the holiday. Interestingly, it’s very difficult to find a consistent answer. European countries seem to celebrate the holiday similarly to the United States with minor variations and specifications from country to country. I read from multiple sources how “non-Christian nations do not celebrate Valentine’s Day,” which led me to wonder then, is it a Christian holiday? No, people don’t head to church because it’s Valentine’s Day. However, it’s an interesting notion nonetheless.

Most of the legends, origins, whatever we want to call them lead to some sort of a profession of love. The GREAT NEWS is that we don’t have to wait for someone else to shower us with chocolates and flowers. Nor do we have to go searching for that special someone to call our Valentine. That special someone is you! Love on yourself this Valentine’s Day. If fresh flowers on your counter top brings you joy, go buy some fresh flowers and don’t feel guilty about spending the money. If seasonal candy calls your name every time you walk by that aisle, treat yourself and savor every last bite. A sprinkle of Valentine’s Day decor in any living space can put a smile on anyone’s face. Go for it! Use a special mug with a cute Valentine picture for the month of February? How about all of the above? Yes please!

Love yourself. You are the perfect match for you. In fact, you should go make a list of reasons you love yourself. Later, if you decide to share your heart with someone, make sure they appreciate and acknowledge those traits.

Let’s just imagine, hypothetically, the ‘worst case scenario’ of someone challenging why you are celebrating Valentine’s Day if you don’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend (not likely, but trying to make a point here). It might be worth it to ask why they think a relationship is a requirement. Do they know the history of the holiday? Card companies, flower shops, candy makers, and others have shaped it into what it is today. What a shame if we pass these wonderful pleasures up unnecessarily! Do we have to be Irish to wear green, participate in a leprechaun fun run, or eat corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day? Nope.

Another thing I’m unsure of is what changes from elementary school to middle school when it comes to celebrating Valentine’s Day. As children we were so excited to give cards and maybe even treats to all of our classmates. Abruptly in middle school everything gets awkward, including the unwritten policy of how to exchange cards and gifts (or not). All of a sudden Valentine’s Day becomes a day of stress about who’s going to get something from someone. By the way, I don’t recommend this method of letting someone know you are interested in them. If you happen to know kids at this tender age, fill them in on how to treat themselves rather than waiting on someone else. It’s also important to talk about real relationships, but that’s a whole new conversation. Let’s go back to getting things for everyone, that was fun!

Recap:

You do have a Valentine (hint: it’s you)

Make a list of the reasons you love yourself

Turn your focus on to what you’ll do to celebrate this joyful holiday

soak up the treats and seasonal flare

And remember…take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!