Who is starting to get ready for the holidays in December of 2025 – Written by Fatima, GiGi’s NYC Participant

December Blog Post/ Who is starting to get ready for the holidays in December of 2025 Happy Holidays Gigis Playhouse NYC! There are so many great holidays to celebrate in December 2025, such as Hanukkah, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Kwanza, New Year’s Eve, National Christmas Cookie Day, National Gingerbread House Day, National Saint Nicholas Day, National Christmas Card Day, and so many more holidays to celebrate in December 2025. National Christmas Cookie Day is celebrated on Thursday, December 4th, 2025 and a lot of people celebrate the holiday in many different ways including baking and decorating Christmas cookies, trying new recipes, or having a cookie exchange. Bake and decorate cookies, host or attend a cookie exchange, or visit a local bakery. Other ideas include giving cookies as gifts, having a cookie tasting party, or making cookie-themed crafts. Host a cookie exchange: Invite friends or family to bring a few dozen homemade or store-bought cookies. You can set a theme, have a friendly competition, and give guests containers to fill with cookies to take home. Have a cookie decorating party: Buy plain cookies and a variety of icings, sprinkles, and toppings, then let everyone get creative. This is a great activity for both kids and adults. Organize a cookie swap: Trade your favorite cookie recipes with friends and family and share your creations. Give the gift of cookies: Bake a batch of your favorite cookies and deliver them to neighbors, friends, or coworkers. Hosting a bake-off: Challenge friends to a cookie-making competition and have everyone vote on the winner for categories like “Best Flavor” or “Most Creative”. Set up a cookie tasting station: Arrange a variety of cookies for people to sample, perhaps with a glass of milk or hot cocoa. Other ways to enjoy the day include trying a new recipe, whether it’s a classic like gingerbread or a more modern creation. Visit a local bakery: Support your local bakery by purchasing a special treat or a selection of their cookies. Incorporate cookies into other activities using cookies to learn about fractions, or make cookie-themed crafts if you want to get creative without the baking. Simply enjoy a cookie: Sometimes the simplest way to celebrate is to just enjoy a cookie with a glass of milk and take a moment to appreciate this simple pleasure. I am planning on baking Christmas cookies on a different day, not on Thursday, December 4. National Saint Nicholas day is celebrated on Sat, December 6th, 2025 and a lot of people celebrate the occasion in a lot of different ways including leaving out a shoe or stocking for small gifts like candy, coins, and oranges, and consider making traditional cookies or new shoes for family members. Another way to celebrate is by performing acts of kindness and generosity, such as donating old clothes to charity, to honor Saint Nicholas’s charitable spirit.  To celebrate Saint Nicholas Day in the United States for adults, you can host a feast, practice anonymous giving, and exchange small, thoughtful gifts. Another great way to celebrate is to perform acts of charity or kindness in the spirit of St. Nicholas. Host a feast: Have a special dinner or celebration with friends and family, as Saint Nicholas Day is also known as the Feast of St. Nicholas. Fill a stocking or boot: Hang and fill a stocking or a special boot with small treats like chocolates, coins, or other fun surprises to be opened on December 6th. Giving simple thoughtful gifts such as candy, a special coin, or a small book. For a bit of mystery, wrap gifts in multiple boxes or hide them and give clues to find them. Give anonymous gifts: Surprise someone in need with a gift, a helpful item, or a small treat. You can sign the card “A Friend” to keep it anonymous, as St. Nicholas Center suggests. Donate to charity: Give to an organization that helps others or donate your old clothes or toys to those in need. Help someone directly: Offer to help a neighbor, family member, or friend with a task, or write an encouraging note to someone who could use a boost. Other ideas include attending a local event, looking for local historical societies or churches, hosting St. Nicholas Day events, like the one at Philippe Manor Hall. Sharing the story: Learn and share the story of St. Nicholas with friends or family to better understand the traditions behind it. National Christmas card day is celebrated on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 and most people celebrate the holiday in a lot of ways such as sending physical or digital cards, organizing a card-making party, or updating your mailing list. Get creative by making handmade cards, taking photos for a card, or even using old cards for decorations. For a unique touch, consider sending e-cards or New Year’s cards if you don’t celebrate Christmas.  Get creative with cards by crafting unique, handmade cards for loved ones. Host a craft party: Gather friends or family for a card-making event with various materials. Take a photo: Dress up your family or pets for a festive photo to use on your cards. Design digital cards: Use apps or templates to create and share digital cards via email or social media. Use old cards: Cut up old cards to make new ones, create puzzles, or turn them into festive decorations like paper chains. Spread the holiday cheer by sending physical cards: Buy or make cards and send them to family and friends. Make sure to write a personal note inside each one. Mail them out: Update your mailing list and get your stamps and envelopes ready. Consider a special delivery route or even singing carols as you deliver them to neighbors. Send e-cards: If you’re short on time, send electronic cards to people who live far away. Research the history: Read about the history of Christmas cards or look at historical examples, like the Smithsonian’s collection. Incorporate learning: Use card-making as a way to teach kids about different cultures and the postal system. Share online: Post a photo of your favorite card style or a message of encouragement on social media using the hashtag #ChristmasCardDay. Sending out your holiday and Christmas cards by making your own cards – your recipients will appreciate a handmade card. If you don’t have time to send in physical cards, what about sending e-cards? If you don’t celebrate Christmas or the holidays, why not send out New Year’s cards instead? National Gingerbread House Day is celebrated on Friday, December 12, 2025 and most people celebrate the occasion in a lot of different ways such as build and decorate gingerbread houses with family or friends, host a gingerbread-making party with competitions, or create a whole gingerbread village. Other ways to celebrate include making gingerbread cookies, incorporating educational activities about architecture and geometry. You can also use a quick graham cracker alternative and share your creations on social media. Another idea is to attend local or national gingerbread house competitions and displays or host a creative gingerbread house event. Organizing a party: Invite friends, family, or classmates to a gingerbread house-making party. Provide gingerbread pieces, icing, and various candies and encourage guests to be creative. Hold a competition: Add a competitive element by awarding prizes for categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Classic Design”. Build a village: Instead of one large house, create a miniature village where each person designs a small house.  Get creative with your gingerbread by making gingerbread cookies and decorating individual gingerbread cookies for a simpler and quicker activity. Try a no-bake alternative: Use graham crackers and premade frosting for a fast and easy version of a gingerbread house, especially good for younger children. Create themed houses by adding an extra layer of fun by having a theme, such as “Winter Wonderland” or a “Fairy Tale Castle. On this day I am planning on getting a Gingerbread House to work on and spending time with my family. Hanukkah is celebrated on Monday, December 15th, 2025 and most people celebrate the holiday in a lot of different ways. This includes lighting the menorah, playing dreidel with family, and eating traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot. Other ways to celebrate include exchanging gifts, singing Hanukkah songs, and participating in community menorah lightings or charitable acts like tzedakah. Light the menorah: Light the menorah each night, adding one more candle as you say the blessings. The menorah can be placed in a window to share the light. Recite blessings: Recite the special Hanukkah blessings before lighting the candles each night. Eat fried foods: Prepare and eat foods fried in oil, like potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), to commemorate the miracle of the oil. Serve dairy foods: Many families enjoy dairy foods during the holiday.  Play dreidel: Play the traditional dreidel game, often with chocolate coins (gelt) as prizes. Sing songs such as playing or sing traditional Hanukkah songs, such as “Ma’oz Tzur”. Hosting a movie night watching Hanukkah-themed or other family-friendly movies together. Exchange gifts: Exchange gifts, whether small tokens each night or larger presents. Practice tzedakah: Participating in acts of charity or kindness to help those in need. Gather for parties: Host or attend Hanukkah parties with family and friends. Visit community events by looking for local community menorah lightings in public places. Sharing stories by telling the story of Hanukkah and the Maccabees to children to keep the history alive. Decorate: Decorate your home with blue, white, and silver, and hang holiday decorations like dreidels or Stars of David. Create Hanukkah-themed crafts such as making paper dreidels, decorating a menorah, or making holiday-themed decorations.  Christmas Eve is celebrated on Wednesday, December 24th and a lot of people celebrate the occasion in a lot of special ways. This includes attending a religious service, having a family feast, or enjoying classic activities like watching Christmas movies, driving to see lights, or decorating a gingerbread house. Other popular options include singing carols, baking cookies, and exchanging gifts. Some families start their gift exchange on Christmas Eve. Most families attend a Christmas Eve church service or midnight mass, others read holiday stories aloud like the classic Christmas tale ‘The Night Before Christmas’. Set up a nativity scene: Create or decorate a nativity scene and tell the Christmas story. Put out stockings and cookies for Santa Claus, lighting Advent candles, or saying prayers. Some households host or attend parties, while others keep it quiet with a cozy dinner. People can also enjoy Christmas arts and crafts. Many other varying cultural traditions and experiences are also associated with Christmas Eve around the world, including the gathering of family and friends. On this special day I am planning on sleeping in late, going for a brunch with Peter Colombos and his parents, then Christmas Eve dinner at my grandparents house in the evening time. I’ll also get milk and cookies for the real Santa Clause. Christmas Day is celebrated on Thursday, December 25th, 2025 and a lot of people celebrate the holiday in many different ways like enjoying traditional activities such as decorating the tree, exchanging gifts, and baking cookies. Some people explore non-traditional options such as hosting a “Friendsmas” party, going for a winter hike, or engaging in acts of service. More ideas include creating a themed celebration, enjoying festive movies and music, or focusing on a more low-key, relaxed day at home with family.  Some traditional Christmas celebrations include decorating the Christmas tree. This is a classic activity that can involve the whole family. Exchanging gifts is a popular tradition and this can be done in the morning or at a specific time. Some families use a gift-giving theme like “something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read”. Some people like to bake Christmas cookies. They spend time in the kitchen baking and decorating holiday treats as a fun special tradition. Enjoy a traditional meal: Many families prepare a special Christmas dinner with items like turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, followed by desserts like pies and gingerbread houses Attending religious services: For many, attending a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day church service is a central part of the celebration.  People do many different things from hosting a Christmas movie marathon and visiting a tree farm, to curating a holiday songs playlist and going ice skating. You’ll find a variety of activities to incorporate into your annual celebration. On this occasion I am planning on waking up early and spending Christmas Day with Peter Colombos and his family since my family is not getting together Christmas Day this year. Kwanza is celebrated on Friday, December 26th, 2025 this year and a lot of people celebrate the holiday in so many ways such as decorate with Kwanzaa symbols, light the kinara, and reflect on the seven principles. Other ways to celebrate include preparing traditional foods for a communal feast, supporting Black-owned businesses, engaging in cultural activities like drumming and dancing, and exchanging meaningful gifts. Community celebrations and festivals are also available to attend. Celebrate Kwanzaa activities like decorating your home: Use traditional Kwanzaa symbols like the kinara (candleholder), mkeka (straw mat), and matunda ya kwanza (fruits and vegetables). You can also use African art, textiles, and other decor. Light the kinara: Each night, light one of the seven candles (one black, three red, and three green) and discuss the corresponding principle of the Nguzo Saba (seven principles). Reflect on the principles: Dedicate each day to one of the seven principles, such as Umoja (unity) or Kujichagulia (self-determination). Host a Karamu feast: On the sixth day, celebrate with a large feast of traditional African and African-American dishes. Support Black-owned businesses: Focus on the principle of Ujamaa (cooperative economics) by purchasing from Black-owned businesses. Engaging in cultural activities like participating in African drumming, dancing, storytelling, or share poetry and music. Exchange meaningful gifts such as gifts that are educational, culturally significant, or handmade. Attend community celebrations: Look for local Kwanzaa festivals, parades, and events happening in your area. Educate yourself by learning about the history and meaning of Kwanzaa and the symbolism behind its traditions. New Year’s Eve is celebrated on Wednesday, December 31st and most people celebrate the holiday in many ways. This included attending public events like the Times Square ball drop or fireworks displays, hosting private parties with dinner and games, or opting for quiet celebrations at home with loved ones. Options range from big-city events and cruises to cozy movie marathons or intimate family dinners. Fireworks Displays. Cities worldwide light up the sky with dazzling fireworks. Countdown Parties: Whether it’s a lively bash with friends or a cozy house party, the countdown to midnight is the highlight of New Year’s Eve Family Gatherings. Cultural Festivals: Attend large public events like the Times Square ball drop in NYC, watch local fireworks, or host a private party with friends and family. Other options include going to a casino in Las Vegas, going out dancing, having a themed dinner party, or enjoying a quiet night in with a game or movie. Attend a major city event: Go to New York City for the Times Square ball drop, or watch the New Year’s Eve celebrations and fireworks in Las Vegas. Watch local fireworks: Check for community fireworks displays in your area. Go to a party: Book tickets for a New official New Year’s Eve party, such as a yacht party in NYC, a nightclub event, or a concert. Explore a specific city: Take a trip to a city known for its New Year’s celebrations, like Las Vegas, or a location like Hawaii for fireworks. Go trekking: Plan a New Year’s Eve hike or trek to start the year in the great outdoors. Host a wine tasting by starting the new year with a fun learning experience, go dancing at a club or dance party all night long. Pamper yourself: Host a relaxing pampering party with friends. My New Year’s resolution includes eating more salads, protein, fruits, avocados, and vegetables. I’d also like more time alone with Peter Colombos without having anyone else bothering us, getting in shape, drinking at least 10 cups of water, going for walks 5 days of the week (not weekends) lifting weights for 35 seconds twice a week, being travel trained independently, losing 45 pounds of weight, drinking more tea, seeing less Broadway shows, traveling the world, and most importantly starting to look for a part time job with AHRC through my college, Molloy University, with flexible schedules and more responsibilities. Before I start the January 2026 blog post, I recommend going to the movies during the holidays in December. Watch movies on your free time and enjoy the time off from work and school etc. Also, I recommend going out for a brunch with your family and friends during the holidays in December on your free time. Happy Holidays Everyone and Happy New Year of 2026! See you all January 2026. Also, I am looking forward to seeing you all at the Gigi’s Playhouse annual holiday market. It’s going to be a lot of fun.

With a lot of Love and Happiness,
Fatima