There's a let down once the holidays are over, particularly when your college kid still has weeks of winter break left. Your child's feelings of boredom, culture shock and even dismay over shifting allegiances may require a different approach to
college break survival. But the up side? While those pre-New Year's days pass in a frenzied whirlwind, there are many weeks more to enjoy just being together. This, at last, is family time. Here are five great ways to fill winter break:
- A Night at the Theater: "Nutcracker" may be over, but every major city has some cool theatrical event running in wintry January - local concerts, touring Broadway shows, or a new production, such as "The Snowman" extravaganza pictured above. Make it a family date. Better yet, make it a tradition.
- Snow and Ice: Take the family ice skating or head for the snow. Ski lift tickets can be pricey, but there's more fun to be hand in the frosty white stuff than skiing and snowboarding. Just because the kids are grown-up doesn't mean they don't still love a good - and free - snowball fight or inner tube run down a snowy slope.
- Over the River... Even if you did the "over the river and through the woods" routine for Christmas Day or Hanukkah, a second, January visit may be a calmer, sweeter time to catch up with older relatives and extended family. There's less hustle and bustle, and more time to talk.
- Galleries and Museums: You probably didn't do much gallery hopping when your kids were younger, but now that they're older and more sophisticated, this is the perfect time to introduce them to one of the great joys of life - freebie days at hot museums. Most major art museums woo new visitors by hosting free admission days.
- The Great Outdoors: Take a hike, ride a bike, enjoy the great outdoors and work off some of those holiday calories.
