holiday activities for high school students

3 min read 04-02-2025

holiday activities for high school students

The holiday season is a time for celebration, relaxation, and making memories. But for high school students, balancing academics, social lives, and family obligations can make finding the perfect holiday activity challenging. This guide offers a range of ideas, going beyond the typical mall trips and movie marathons, to help high schoolers enjoy a fulfilling and memorable holiday break.

Creative & Engaging Activities:

Unleash Your Inner Artist:

Holiday-themed crafting: From DIY ornaments and festive cards to personalized gifts for friends and family, crafting offers a creative outlet and a chance to express individuality. Explore online tutorials for unique projects using readily available materials. Consider hosting a crafting party with friends to make it even more enjoyable.
Volunteer at a local art center: Many art centers offer holiday-themed workshops or volunteer opportunities, allowing students to learn new skills while giving back to the community.
Photography challenge: Capture the spirit of the holidays through a photography project. Focus on specific themes like holiday lights, winter landscapes, or family traditions. This can be a fun solo activity or a collaborative project with friends.

Active & Adventurous Activities:

Winter sports: If you live in an area with snow, embrace the season with snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, or snowshoeing. These activities provide exercise and a chance to enjoy the winter wonderland.
Holiday-themed scavenger hunts: Organize a scavenger hunt with friends or family, incorporating holiday-themed clues and destinations. This is a fun, interactive way to explore your surroundings and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Volunteer for a holiday-themed event: Many organizations need volunteers during the holidays. Consider volunteering at a soup kitchen, food bank, or toy drive. This is a rewarding way to give back to the community and make a positive impact.

Relaxing & Reflective Activities:

Unwind and Recharge:

Holiday baking marathon: Baking cookies, pies, or other festive treats is a classic holiday activity. It's a relaxing way to spend time with family and friends, and the delicious results are a bonus.
Holiday movie marathon (with a twist): Enjoy a movie marathon, but instead of randomly choosing films, pick a specific theme, like classic holiday movies, international holiday films, or movies with a holiday setting.
Start a new hobby: The holiday break offers the perfect opportunity to explore a new hobby, such as knitting, learning a new language, or starting a journal.

Connecting with Others:

Holiday volunteering with a friend: Make volunteering a social activity by teaming up with a friend or group of friends. This combines the rewarding experience of giving back with the enjoyment of spending time with loved ones.
Holiday light viewing: Bundle up and enjoy the festive displays of holiday lights in your neighborhood or a nearby town. This is a relaxing and visually stunning experience.
Family game night: Spend quality time with family by playing board games, card games, or video games. This is a great way to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.

Planning Your Holiday Activities:

To ensure a truly fulfilling holiday break, consider these planning tips:

Prioritize: Create a list of potential activities and prioritize them based on your interests and availability.
Budget: Set a budget for your holiday activities to ensure you don't overspend.
Schedule: Create a schedule to help you manage your time effectively and ensure you have time for both relaxation and activities.
Be flexible: Be open to unexpected opportunities and be willing to adjust your plans as needed.

The holiday season is a special time of year. By planning ahead and choosing activities that align with your interests and values, high school students can create a memorable and enjoyable holiday break. Remember, the key is to balance relaxation, engagement, and connection with others to make the most of this festive time.