Christmastime isn’t merely an excuse to take time off school or work or to take a break from our responsibilities—it’s a special time of year that has an inexplicable air of magic about it. With gifts under the tree, wreaths adorning doors, and the smell of gingerbread and pine wafting through the air, all these sensory delights let us know that the holidays are here.

The beauty of Christmas is that we can celebrate the end of the year however we want, whether we prefer solitude and relaxation or want to attend every holiday market known to man. No matter what you choose, this is the perfect time to embrace what the season brings.

In need of some inspiration? We’ve got seven activity ideas to help you make the most of your Christmas break.

Take Time for Self-Care

Shorter days and colder weather mean many of us struggle to maintain the same energy we did in the warmer months, which signals the perfect opportunity for self-care. Whether you see self-care as a time to play free slots online at casinos.com, soak in a bubble bath, or make an effort to exercise, the holidays are the best time to rest and rejuvenate. Especially with the demanding nature of the holidays with family get-togethers, or the potential lack of them, leading to loneliness, it’s important to take time for yourself and do activities that make you feel joy. Self-care encompasses mental and physical well-being, so be sure to prioritize refreshing your mind and body.

Attend a Christmas Event

Mississauga and the broader GTA take the holidays seriously, so you’re bound to find a variety of events, from Christmas markets to light shows and performances. To kick off the month of December, you can attend the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade, featuring more than 15 floats, dancers, bands, and community members. Or why not attend a showing of The Nutcracker, a classical ballet that has become a Christmas tradition for many? Want to marvel at some spectacular tree installations? The Mississauga Festival of Trees spotlights these artist-made installations and features over 80 food and artisan vendors, workshops, and live performances.

Embrace the Cold Weather

Although the weather has been significantly warmer the past few winters, there’s nothing like basking outside in the cold. Celebration Square’s free outdoor ice rink is a local favourite, with daytime skating options, evening skate times under the city lights, and even themed skates on occasion. Whenever you need a break from the cold, you can warm up at the nearby heated patios. If you want to connect more with nature, you can skate along the 220-metre looped path at Port Credit Memorial Park or snowshoe at the Rattray Marsh conservation area (weather permitting). Would you rather walk around on your own two feet? The Riverwood Conservancy presents an incredible backdrop for a scenic hike, and you might just come across a critter or two.

Share the Holiday Spirit by Volunteering

Everyone deserves to feel the holiday cheer, and volunteering is a fantastic way to make that happen. While it can be a meaningful way to spend time with loved ones, it can also help fulfill the lives of underprivileged families and children. Although you could start your own operation, plenty of organizations around the GTA host holiday drives and look for volunteers during this time of year. For example, Food Banks Mississauga has its own Holiday Drive to provide healthy food to those facing food insecurity. The Mississauga Community Church also hosts a Christmas Toy program, a Clothing Assistance program, Community Meals, and a Christmas Assistance program to support individuals without families who may feel lonely during the holidays.

Go on Vacation

As the winter months are typically considered the off-season for many popular destinations around the world, it can be the best time to travel and cut down on costs. For those who aren’t particularly fond of the cold, you can jet set to tropical destinations like Florida or Mexico or go a little off the beaten path on a safari in Botswana. Copenhagen is another great winter vacation spot, considered the birthplace of hygge (the Danish concept of coziness and simple pleasures), while Hokkaido, Japan, might help you fall in love with winter all over again with its geological beauty. The world is a playground full of new adventures, so what better time than the longest holiday of the year to go somewhere new?

Get Creative

Consider yourself a homebody? There are plenty of holiday crafts and projects that’ll keep you busy, including DIY Christmas decorations, natural wreaths, baking Christmas cookies and treats, and decorating gingerbread houses. Been there, done that with the gingerbread houses? We’re seeing a new trend of charcuterie chalets this holiday season, complete with savoury cheese, pretzels, salami, and dip. Other simple crafting ideas include taking up knitting or crocheting, making festive scented candles, or experimenting with new art media.

Spend Time with Loved Ones

For most people, the holidays are about spending time with those you love, above all else. Whether doing one of the activities on this list or carrying on an age-old tradition, it’s about making the effort and intention to connect on a deeper level. Some ideas include hosting a holiday movie marathon, cooking a feast together, starting the Elf on the Shelf tradition, sharing funny or heartfelt memories, and playing board games or video games together.