With Christmas quickly approaching, I’ve found that I’m running out of time to do things that make the holiday feel festive. In an attempt to bring some cheer to the season, I’ve created a list in my notes app of all the holiday themed things I want to do.

The first thing on my list is going to the theaters to see Christmas movies. Cinemark and AMC both show Christmas movies through the month of December at discounted prices. They show the classics like Elf, Love Actually, and The Polar Express. Especially now that it gets dark so early, going to the theaters would be a fun and cheap activity during the week. 

Another activity I added to this list is seeing Christmas lights. Driving through neighborhoods like Deerfield that go all out for the holiday is easy and doesn’t cost any money. There are also places in Dallas like the Dallas Arboretum or the Dallas Zoo that have special light shows or displays for the holidays.

Going to see the Nutcracker is another activity I included on this list. My sisters and I grew up performing in our local nutcracker every year, and the ballet has become a winter staple for our family. A large range of levels of performances can be found in the area. Going to the ballet can be a fun excuse to get dressed up and put you in the Christmas spirit with the dancing and music.

Last on this list is ice skating. Rather than watching a production or viewing a display, ice skating is more of an interactive activity. Frisco Square has a small ice skating rink during the holidays. Also, at the Galleria Mall in Dallas, you can ice skate around the largest indoor Christmas tree in the country.

In these last two weeks leading up to Christmas, I’m hoping to check some of these activities off the list. Doing things such as these can make the holiday extra special.