1.Catch a movie
Because it’s the most wonderful time of the year, Hollywood has thrown us a lot of options, from critically-adored musicals and animal-laden sing-a-longs, to dark dramas and laugh out loud comedies — there’s a little something for every moviegoer. Our picks:
Hidden Figures: In theaters on Christmas Day
This uplifting film is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Following Katherine (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy (Octavia Spencer), and Mary (Janelle Monae) – your favorite dream team – follow their dreams all the way to NASA where they contribute to the most extensive race to space. It’s just the right amount of magic, #BlackGirlMagic that is!
SING: Now playing
With one final chance to restore his theater to its former glory, a koala bear named Buster Moon produces the world’s greatest singing competition.
Fences: Opens nationally on Christmas Day
Denzel Washington and Viola Davis reprise their roles in this Tony Award-winning Broadway production turned blockbuster which follows a 1950s Pittsburgh family led to the brink by to their vibrant patriarch (Washington).
2. Get cooking
Nothing says holiday cheer like a batch of granny’s chocolate chip cookies. Grab your kids, nieces, nephews or even the kid at heart for an epic bake session. Sugar cookies, cutout cookies, peppermint bark, brownies, sweet potato pie, even a gingerbread house will do.
Don’t forget the toppings! Grocery retailers have stocked up with festive toppers like red, green, and metallic sprinkles, snowman shaped marshmallows, and cute cookie cutters sure to impress your little chef.
3. Team up
What better time to enjoy one of America’s favorite pastimes – like game night? Gather your loved ones (and friends) and team up for a good oldfashioned game of Spades, Pictionary, or go-to board game. Our picks:
Clue: You’ll be on the edge of your seat while playing this famous mystery game. Tip: Turn the lights down to really set the mood!
Scrabble Twist Game: Before “Words with Friends,” there was Scrabble. To attract a new generation of tech-savvy gamers, Hasbro recently released a handheld electronic version of their classic board game, where players must tap and twist the device to make the letters appear, before racking up points.
Pie Face! Game: It’s way better than getting slimed! Grab some whipped cream and place a small amount on the “hand” of this hilarious game unit and start turning the handles. It’s bound to go splat at any time. The suspense—it’s killing us!
4. Go local
Take advantage of the good outdoors and go local. Whether you’re in a big city or miles from civilization, communities are showing up and showing out for the holiday season – offering a wide variety of school lead musicals, Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, festivals, parades, Santa readings (most likely at your local library) and so much more. For more information on holiday shenanigans, check your local paper.