Holiday activities for you and your friends

Although Christmas season brings to mind the idea of a roasting turkey, it is possible to stay vegetarian (or vegan) during the holidays. Here are some fresh ideas for food and partying.

What can warm you up better than the hot spices of Mexican cuisine? Even if you can not escape south this season invite your loved ones to the tropical dinner in Mexican style. Serve tacos and tortillas and let guests assemble their own dishes by providing a variety of toppings, salsas, and cheeses. This could be a great party-pleaser not only for vegetarians and vegans but for your meat-loving friends as well.

Nothing unites friends more than preparing food together. Japanese sushi or Tai spring rolls could be time-consuming to prepare alone. Call your friends and invite them for a holiday cook-out. Make sure to have enough cutting boards, serving plates, knives, and space in the fridge. Keep the Eastern theme throughout the evening by serving green tea or Miso soup instead of refreshments while cooking.

Holiday get-togethers do not have to be focused around the food. Organize a themed costume party or better yet a clothes swap with an optional runway and modeling. This is a great way not only to spend time with your friends but also to get everyone a gift or two.

Do you or your friends share a passion for crafts? Are there painters, knitters, book-lovers among you? Pass a holiday evening with your friends learning and sharing your interests and hobbies. Whether it is an evening spent discussing your favorite books or a night filled with knitting and purling as you create your first hand-made souvenirs, it is the time you spend with your friends and family that counts. And if you are hosting one of these get-togethers prepare finger food, tea, and cookies to keep the spirits up.

Why not enjoy the Winter Wonderland in all its beauty by going outside? If you are not ready for a whole weekend passed outdoors invite your friends for a walk in the park. Finish the day serving hearty meal, hot chocolate, glentwein, and dessert.

If you are not afraid of the cold, organize a 2-days gateway. Enjoy skiing, winter hiking, or snowshoeing during the day and spend the evening next to the fire in the warmth of the house or a chalet.

Text: Anya Sokolovskaya
Images: Iurii Konoval (Dreamstime)
Gary Bydlo (Stockvault)
Vjeran Lisjak (Stock.xchng)