Things to see and do this holiday season

REASON BROWN
MCHS Student Journalist

With November coming to a close, we Christmas lovers can finally celebrate without the naysayers complaining that it's “not even December yet.” Trees can go up, lights can be hung, and your hot chocolate can be brewed. In terms of holiday activities, the options are endless. You can stay in, stay local, or take a trip out of the county to extend your family fun.

Time to cozy up on the couch and put a movie on! Holiday movies come in many genres: romance, comedy, drama, etc. A family favorite is Home Alone. 8-year-old Kevin McCallister is mistakenly left at home when his family leaves for the airport. He quickly regrets his wish to have no family when two con men attempt to rob his house. Released in 1990, this is a family comedy classic.

A new holiday film is Candy Cane Lane. When a man makes a deal with a suspicious elf, a spell is cast that brings the twelve days of Christmas to life. This family comedy came out in 2023. Using these suggestions, sit back and relax with the fam next to the fire!

’Tis the season for delicious holiday recipes. Just imagine the sweet aroma of snickerdoodles floating around your kitchen, fresh egg nog waiting for you in the fridge, All I Want for Christmas by Mariah Carey blaring on your TV, and licking the extra batter off the spoon. Sounds like a dream.

Despite what some may think, snickerdoodles and eggnog are easy to make. These recipes are a fan favorite at my house!

Lynchburg always hosts an exciting holiday function. Christmas in Lynchburg is on Saturday. Gather your friends and family because this fun-filled day starts bright and early for breakfast with Santa. Later in the day, the parade will commence, showing off the clubs and organizations of Moore County. To end the night, the residents of this tiny town gather around the barrel tree to see the lights brighten the world around them.

If you are OK with a little drive, Opryland Hotel in Nashville is the place to see Christmas lights. Sitting on nine acres of land, this hotel is lit by millions of sparkling brilliance. Christmas at Gaylord Opryland is from Nov. 8 through Jan. 4.

Not only are the lights devastatingly gorgeous, but the amount of activities Opryland offers is remarkable. Ranging from dinner shows and carriage rides to snowman scramble scavenger hunts and ice tubing. Enough activities for you and the kids!

The Botanical Gardens in Huntsville, Ala., is perfect if you want to reconnect with nature. Their jaw-droppingly beautiful light displays opened on Nov. 15 and will close on Dec. 31. The gardens will hold various activities from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., such as making garlands and wreaths. After this, the lights will switch on, and the holiday fun will begin.

Of course, the Christmas celebration is wider than these options. Many small events will be held around town and in other counties. A great way to stay updated is through Facebook.

Spend lots of time with your friends and family this Christmas season.

And in the wise words of Michael Buble, "Have a holly jolly Christmas this year."