As the holidays approach, there are countless activities to do around the Chicagoland area. Whether it’s ice skating at the Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon, visiting the Brookfield Zoo for Holiday Magic, or sipping hot chocolate in front of the fire pit, there is something for everyone this season. 

But winter isn’t always about going outside, there are many things to do in the comfort of your own home, too. Many use this as a time of year to gather with family, relax and step away from the reality of always being on the go. Students can use this time as a way to rejuvenate and focus on mental health.

Junior Noah Guzman loves to have snowball fights and participate in white elephant gift exchanges.

Junior Dasha Fagan said that ever since she got her license last October, the winter season is extra magical. Fagan loves driving around and looking at all the Christmas lights in Willowbrook. She would like to spend her winter days sledding with her cousins on a hill near her house and then at night take a drive to see the scenery. 

Eighty students and teachers were surveyed about their favorite wintertime activities. 71% of those surveyed said the light shows at the zoos were their favorite holiday destination. In a close second, 50% picked window shopping downtown. For the at-home activities, the majority said their favorite thing to do was either baking cookies, watching movies, or decorating the house and tree with their family. 

As the weather gets colder and the days are shorter, the holiday magic truly never dies, and whether one is at home or out, the magic is in one’s heart.