With the holiday season here and winter break just around the corner, many people might be wondering what to do with all this time. We asked Barlow students what their favorite things to do during winter are. If you’re not sure what to do, here are some wonderful ideas. 

• You could go skiing or snowboarding. Some places you could go are Timberline Summit Pass, Mt. Hood Skibowl, or others.
• If you’d prefer ice skating, there are a few places you can do that as well. For example, the Winterhawks Skating Center, and The Sherwood Ice Arena,
• Peacock Lane is a great place to go and see beautiful lights and decorations. Other options are the Zoo Lights, and of course, the Sunshine Division Winter Wonderland (The light show on the track of the Portland International Raceway.)
• There is a lot to do and see at The Grottos Christmas Festival of Lights. It’s about a quarter-mile walk through the Grotto. There are outdoor carolers, puppet shows for younger children, hot chocolate and other food stands, a small farm animal petting zoo, a gift shop, and more. 
• You can try your hand at those popular hot cocoa bombs going around the internet. 
• If your family decorates live trees, you could find a U-Cut tree farm and hunt for the perfect one. 
• You could try new recipes for sweet treats. 
• You could participate in a secret Santa or white elephant with a group of friends or family. 
• You could try to bake and assemble a gingerbread house. Or make gingerbread men and decorate them with faces and clothes. 
• You could go all out with decorating both inside and out!
• Make decorations for your tree! 
• Try ice fishing. 
• You could plan a themed holiday dinner with your friends.
• You could dress yourself or your pet/s up and do a holiday photo shoot.
• As silly as it sounds, write a letter to Santa.  
• You could do arts and crafts. For example, you can make a quick, easy stocking with some pom poms, felt, fabric scissors and a hot glue gun.You could make care packages for those in need. For example, a small box with a blanket, food, and hygienic products. 
• Donate old clothes, blankets, or unwanted food. 
• You can binge-watch holiday specials from your favorite shows. 

But most of all you can have fun! Spend time with family and friends and take a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of school.