There’s no place like home for the holidays, right? While we’re away at this young people utopia, going home gives us some time to bond with our family which is great … until Aunt Barb gets too drunk again. Here are some ways to have fun or just to cope.
Games
Gingerbread house contest — Take a throwback Thursday to let your competitive streak out and hone your art skills. Whether it’s actual gingerbread pieces or just graham crackers frosted on the side of a milk carton, gum drop-lined pathways with licorice trees are a crowd favorite. After judging, eat the ugly ones.
Karaoke — While this sounds more or less like solo caroling, Buddy the Elf once said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” @@http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0319343/quotes@@Anything off of Justin Bieber’s Christmas album works; if you’re looking for a duet, make sure you have a Busta Rhymes to do the rap parts on “Drummer Boy.”@@http://popcrush.com/justin-bieber-drummer-boy-busta-rhymes/@@
Activities
Movie night — Pop in a classic like “Elf” or something new like the 3D Harold & Kumar Christmas movie, and don’t forget to include the snacks.
Stringing popcorn — Apparently people actually do this outside of movies. This is a fun activity to do with everyone in the house. Turn on some festive tunes in the background, and help decorate the tree and house.
A night at the theater — Local venues may be hosting Christmas concerts or shows like Straight No Chaser@@http://www.sncmusic.com/@@ or a rendition of “The Nutcracker”. At Portland Center Stage, they have a rendition of David Sedaris’ essay, “SantaLand Diaries.”@@http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/178357.Santa_Land_Diaries@@
When you’ve exhausted those activities and they’re starting to annoy you kill them with kindness (and sugar) — Spend some time in the kitchen and bake plentiful goodies for everyone, including but not limited to, brownies, bars, cookies, cake, ice cream and so on. Everyone will be too busy stuffing their face to talk and fall into a food coma.
Go Christmas shopping — Retail therapy is always at its best when shopping for others. Check everyone off your list and, if you really don’t want to be at home, include the mailman, roommates and your old barista. Insist that you wrap these gifts in secret and take your sweet time.
Sit down for a heart-to-heart — And only talk about yourself. Relatives love being in the loop so tell them all the gritty details of your life and let them believe that they’re your new best friend.