LIFE

It's finally here, girlies: the coziest time of the year! We all love the holidays, but tbh, between finishing up classes for the semester and all your besties' Secret Santa gift-swap get-togethers, the winter season can be overwhelming.

Enter: your personal holiday bucket list, with our fave simple-yet-sweet ideas to help you make the most of the season. You'll be rocking around the Christmas tree *and* getting stress-free in no time, bb!

1) Ice skating

@mel.amartinez

When it comes to cozy winter vibes, ice skating is as classic as it gets. Bring a bestie or two and go skating at your local outdoor rink (and finish up your fun evening with hot cocoa afterward!). Even if you live in a warmer climate, look around for an indoor rink in your area. Some have beginner skating hours or special deals for students, so you can bring out your inner Michelle Kwan at a discount!

2) Holiday movie marathon

@decor_for_kids

Remember your fave winter movie from when you were a kid? Or that cute Hallmark rom-com you've been meaning to watch? Whether it's Home Alone or Love Actually, re-watching some of your most beloved holiday flicks will bring out *all* the nostalgic vibes. For even more fun, invite some friends over and pile on the pillows, fluffy blankets and snacks for a cute wintry night in.

3) Crafty gift-making sesh

@luckyspilledmilk

Going the handmade gifts route this year? Take an afternoon to get your supplies together and get crafting. Even if you don't have elaborate plans like knitting stockings for your whole fam, you can look up some online tutorials for cute holiday crafts, like DIY wreaths or felted wool acorns!

4) Wintry walk

@mel.amartinez

Look at you, strolling in a winter wonderland! Whether you live somewhere snowy or not, going on a relaxing walk around the neighborhood on a cold evening or brisk morning is a beautiful way to bring on the holiday vibes. If it's getting close to Christmas, you can see everyone's lights and decorations, or just soak up the air and nature around you. If it's chilly, get snuggly with a mug of tea or cocoa when you come back inside.

5) Holiday cards

@papersource

No matter what you're celebrating this time of year, writing a few cards to your fam and friends is a great way to share warm wishes! Write your messages on some sweet wintry cards (like these ones from Etsy, $28) or even make your own for ultimate crafty girl vibes. Even if you only write a few lines, your loved ones will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

6) Happy New Year prep

@shayrudolph

Between parties and holiday window-shopping and cramming for your chem final, winter is a busy time, bb. Sometime this holiday season, take a moment to reflect on the highs and lows of 2024 and the vibes you want to bring into 2025. Now is the perfect time to make a vision board for the new year and think about all the good things on their way to you in the next twelve months.

What's on your holiday bucket list? Let us know on IG @girlslifemag!

Looking for more holiday inspo? We've got you covered...
🎁 Unique ways to make your gifts extra merry
🎄Going to your BFF's holiday party? Here are the cutest gifts to get her
🍪 5 delish Hanukkah recipes

Top image: @shayrudolph
Slider image: @kyliecantrall

by Ava Slocum | 12/17/2024