As fall wraps up, the familiar sounds of brown leaves crunching beneath our feet, the smell of freshly baked cookies, and the comforting, gloomy weather of winter fall upon us. The winter season has started. With winter comes seasonal recipes, annual festivals, and fun winter-themed events perfect to try out with friends and family. So if you’re looking for something to keep you busy this winter, check out these holiday-themed activities.

To get in the holiday spirit, decorating your house is always a good idea. Putting up your tree and lights, hanging up stockings, and decorating for the holidays you celebrate are great ways to get in the spirit. Decorating with your family while watching holiday movies and making cookies is a core memory for many. This year, keep the traditions going and decorate for the holidays with your family!

Speaking of holiday decorations, check out local houses that went over the top with their decorations by going on a holiday lights tour. Seeing the luminous lights of the season makes the holidays worth waiting for. Try having a contest with your friends and family to see which house you think is the best.

Trying fun, fresh holiday-themed recipes this winter season will be a good way to impress your friends and family. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a potluck with friends, or even making a dish as a gift to someone else, bringing a homemade food item is a welcoming and thoughtful idea. Try making cookies, baking a pie, or even making a side dish like mac and cheese. If you want something creative and fresh, look online for fun recipes.

This holiday season, be sure to spend time with your family and friends and make the most of it. Make the effort to try new things and keep holiday traditions going. After all, winter only comes along once a year!