December is here, and the winter holidays are finally upon us. This year we have had kind of a sparse winter due to the lack of snow until recently. In fact, there was snow on the ground for Halloween, but not for the first day of December. This can be frustrating and make it difficult to feel festive, since most winter holidays center around the idea of snow and lights.  

As we near the end of the semester and prepare for winter break, students will be looking for ways to get into the festive mood. Depending on what holidays you celebrate, if any, your way of getting into the holiday spirit might look different from others. No matter what your traditions are, it can be important to keep them alive. Holiday and winter festivities and traditions are important because they can help bring together friends and family and strengthen our communities.  

One way to get into the holiday spirit is to listen to your favorite holiday music. While you go out shopping, you may only hear Christmas music, but there are plenty of other styles of music that center around other winter holidays or just the season in general. This can be great music to put on while studying or cleaning. 

Another way to feel festive is to put on your favorite holiday movie. Maybe plan a movie night with your family or friends where you watch movies and make some sort of festive treat. Or, maybe you want to have a hot chocolate night. 

If you feel like going outside, especially with the snow finally coming around, there will be plenty to do. Ice skating is always a great option and can be done with anyone. You are never too old to play in the snow. Go outside and build a snowman or find a sledding hill. Or, maybe you feel like going for a drive. In that case, it can be fun to drive around and look at all of the holiday lights and decorations. 

Everyone’s winter holiday season will look different depending on what traditions they have and that is what makes this time of year so special and beautiful. So, no matter how you spend your winter break, remember how important these traditions are and keep in mind these ways to involve yourself in these festivities that strengthen your community. 

Nora Lee is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].