Community Corner
Things to do If You Don't Celebrate the Holidays
This Patch Picks column is dedicated to those who don't celebrate the holidays but still want some things to do when the city shuts down.
1. Get organized: Clean up and get organized. Throw out old magazines you aren’t going to read again, straighten up your office or working area, clear off your bulletin boards, put up next year’s calendar, and just generally get ready for the new year.
2. Catch a movie: Most movie theaters are open on Christmas day. Drive by a theater, and you’re liable to see a line around the building. Use the time to catch up on all the latest releases without feeling guilty about anything else you’re supposed to be doing.
3. Go Hunting: Shooting ranges are probably closed so try the next best thing, hunting your own meat. Head out to the country and make a day of tracking, finding and getting your own deer.
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4. Volunteer: In a perfect world, you’d be able to volunteer regularly throughout the year but if your schedule doesn’t allow it, at least take advantage of the one day you know you’re free to pitch in at a local charity. Look up local shelters, soup kitchens, or pantries and call the day before to see if they can use some help.
5. Kitchen Time: Put on your apron and find a few new recipes to try. Now’s the perfect time to start perfecting new recipes to share at your next party or celebration.
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6. Work: Reap the benefits of working on a holiday. For some that means extra pay, for others it means a day with less interruptions.
7. Self Assessment: This is a good time to look at yourself and see if you've accomplished all the things you wanted to this year. Look at your todo list and see if everything is checked off. Identify what you accomplished the last year, what you are proud of, what could you have done better, bridges have you built—or burnt, and what do you want to achieve next year.
8. Rest: People don't always admit it, but the holidays are a tiring season. Take advantage of the early dark on Christmas Day and stay in bed.
9. Tax Preparation: Get your tax information in order and start preparing to either have your taxes done at the start of the new year, or do them your self. Collect your tax receipts in a box or folder to get ready for tax time, finish off.
10. Go on Vacation: Go somewhere and enjoy a little tourism. Buy some souvenirs and let those who stayed behind know what they missed.