There are good reasons why the holidays are known as the most wonderful time of the year. From time spent with family to cozying up on the couch and watching a Christmas movie, the holidays are a time of togetherness and cheer.
They also arrive at a point in the year when the days are short and cold. You may be tempted to drop your regular fitness activities in favor of hibernating in front of the fire, but the holidays don't have to be all coziness and no activity. Here are some fun ways to stay active this holiday season.
Decorate Your Home for the Holidays
Decking the halls isn't just a great way to get into the holiday spirit—it's a wonderful workout, too. From stringing lights to rearranging the furniture to make room for your holiday decorations, a day of decorating is a great way to get moving and slip into the holiday spirit.
Walk the Neighborhood and Look at Lights
Get a little exercise and a heavy dose of the holiday spirit by taking to the streets of your own neighborhood to check out the holiday lights. If you live in a neighborhood that isn't particularly into decorating for the holidays, drive to a spot in your community that is really decked out and explore the streets by foot. Pro tip: A mug of steaming hot cocoa will make this holiday walk just about perfect.
Pass out Gifts on Foot
Spread the holiday spirit by baking or crafting small holiday presents for your neighbors (cookies, cocoa mix or jam make great gifts) and then walking from door to door to pass them out. This isn't just a good way to get some miles under your belt, it's also a wonderful way to build a sense of community and make connections this holiday season.
Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree
If your family celebrates Christmas, get outside this holiday season and head to a Christmas tree farm to cut your own tree. When you stroll the farm in search of the perfect tree, you and your family will get in a hike without even realizing it.
Go Sledding
Don't let the bad winter weather keep you inside—when that first snow falls grab your sled and partake in some backyard fun. Sledding is not only a great way to have some fun on a cold winter's day; it's also tough work. But the effort you expend trudging up those hills will be rewarded each time you climb onto your sled and fly down again.
Hit the Slopes
Celebrate the cold and snow by hitting the slopes this holiday season. Skiers and snowboarders know how to make the most of the snowy season but even if you don't know how to ski or snowboard, most resorts offer opportunities for tubing. After a fun day outside, head inside the ski lodge to warm up by the fire. Most lodges are decked to the nines over the holiday season.
Shop 'til You Drop
Do you have a long list of people to buy for this holiday season? Knocking out your shopping list by purchasing online can be appealing, but you'll get a workout in and check off your shopping list if you shop the stores in person. Small tricks, like parking far away from the store where you'll be shopping, can amp up the number of steps you'll log during your holiday shopping spree.
Participate in a Holiday Fun Run
Set a holiday fitness goal by signing up for a themed fun run. Having a race on the books around the holidays will ensure you stick to your training regime and accomplish your goal. As a bonus, crossing the finish line will give you a healthy reason to have an extra cookie or two at your next holiday party.
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