Experiences Over Presents: 9 Holiday Activities To Create Lasting Memories This Season
Alexa plays Mariah because, in the words of my Aries sis, it's timeeeeeeee!
Thanksgiving is behind us, and it's officially the Christmas season! As we embrace this holiday season, this year, while you're shopping, consider adding a gift to your list that you might not have considered - experiences. A recent study showed that 92% of Americans would rather receive experiential gifts, and what better way to have the best of both worlds, than gift-giving and celebrating with holiday activities with the ones you love?
Whether you're single, traveling with the family, or a couple looking to experience romance under the mistletoe, we've got you covered on holiday-themed activities to get you in the Christmas spirit.
9 Holiday Activities to Celebrate and Create Joyful Memories
1. Head to a holiday bar.
I don't know about you, but when it comes to a holiday cocktail, nothing says Christmas like a Gingerbread Espresso Martini! I can't scroll on Instagram or TikTok without seeing another trending holiday bar, and I'm here for it! Holiday bars have truly begun to be the best place for singles to have fun, sing nostalgic music, and maybe even meet a cutie at the bar. So put your holiday dress on, and head to the bar with some friends and mix and mingle.
2. Consider a nostalgic romantic getaway.
If you're a couple looking to opt out of a traditional Christmas at home, consider a sexy holiday getaway with a hint of nostalgia. Whether you're headed to a cozy cabin, New York City for a romantic holiday weekend, or a tropical island to change the weather, grab your holiday sweater (and lingerie) and create some new memories together.
3. See a holiday show.
The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, there are so many options to choose from! This is truly an experience that is great for everyone, and if you're traveling as a family or in a group, you can catch a group rate and enjoy a show for less! Pro tip: I take a look at the price fluctuations and attend a show mid-week; that way, I am going on an affordable day.
4. Take a solo trip to New York City.
New York City for the holidays is not just for couples and families, singles I got you! The experience that would be well worth the investment for the holidays is booking a suite at The Plaza Hotel, and booking theHome Alone: Fun in New York experience. Picture it: you, a limo around New York City with a cheese pizza, an ice cream sundae, and an experience you'll never forget. Don't be afraid to explore the city on your own and make the most of your solo trip.
5. Bundle up and go ice skating.
Now, I'm not much of a skater, but I do my best and always have a ball whenever I skate with my friends and family. I grew up going to skate at Rockefeller Center, but no matter where you live, there's bound to be skating that you can enjoy! If you love skating, this, followed by hot cocoa, is a holiday activity that never gets old.
6. Attend a Mariah Carey concert or the MC Holiday Bar.
Now, the Queen of Christmas deserves a category of her own! Seeing Mariah Carey in concert for Christmas truly gave me the holiday feeling that I was looking for as an adult, and now she not only has a tour in partnership with Virgin Hotels in Chicago, New York, Nashville, New Orleans, and Dallas, she has her own holiday pop-up bar!
7. Visit a holiday market.
Holiday markets have become a must for me, and I've done them solo and in groups. It's a great way to try new foods, shop for the ones you love (including yourself), and learn about new businesses you've never heard of before. I've already been to two markets this year, and I'm ready to visit the next one!
8. Take a ride on The Polar Express.
This one is perfect for families or anyone looking for some inner child healing because nothing says childhood like The Polar Express. So many cities offer these nostalgic train rides, and while the prices may range, it's well worth seeing the joy on your child's face! This was one of my favorite movies growing up, and I cannot wait to experience it one day with a family of my own.
9. Go to a holiday light show.
Whether you're visiting an actual light show or riding through neighborhoods like we did as kids with our families to see Christmas lights - holiday lights are always a feel-good family activity. So pack up the kids or the dog (if you're a millennial like me lol) and go see some lights with the ones you love!
I know the holidays can be a time of excitement, but I also realize that the holidays for many can be triggering. Between the state of the world, feeling the loss of those who have passed on, relationship status, family issues, etc. I know it's not always easy to get the warm fuzzies for the holidays, but I promise you if you're intentional, you can create new memories and still experience the joy that you deserve.
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Dubbed one of the "21 Black Women Wellness Influencers You Should Follow" by Black + Well, Yasmine Jameelah continues to leave her digital footprint across platforms ranging from Forever 21 Plus, Vaseline, and R29 Unbothered discussing all things healing and body positivity. As a journalist, her writing can be found on sites such as Blavity, Blacklove.com, and xoNecole. Jameelah is also known for her work shattering unconventional stigmas surrounding wellness through her various mediums, including her company Transparent Black Girl. Find Yasmine @YasmineJameelah across all platforms.
Reset Your Relationship: How To Start 2025 Strong With Your Partner
As the calendar turns and a new year unfolds, many of us are laser-focused on our career goals, fitness resolutions, and vision boards that outline the journey to our best selves. But amidst all the planning and self-improvement, have you made room for another important part of your life? Your relationship.
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Step 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Step 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
Step 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
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Since turning 30, three years ago, I have been on a journey of self-improvement and healing. During this time, I've adopted daily practices like meditation, journaling, and speaking affirmations over my life. I also began reading spiritual and self-help books like The Alchemist and The Mountain Is You.
These tools have changed my life drastically as I have become more self-confident and developed more self-love. Lately, one of my go-to's for a spiritual boost is listening to podcasts. There are so many podcasts to choose from nowadays, and they aren't created equally.
However, if you're looking for a podcast that speaks to your soul and helps you in your personal development, then check out the 10 podcasts below.
Balanced Black Girl
Balanced Black Girl is a podcast focusing on personal development, self-care, and more. Hosted by Les, adding this podcast to your list is a great start to developing better habits.
Take Back Your Mind
Take Back Your Mind is a podcast by Agape Church founder and pastor Michael B. Beckwith. This podcast touches on various topics like spirituality, purpose, mindfulness, and more.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
On Purpose with Jay Shetty features many guests, from Big Sean to former First Lady Michelle Obama, as they open up about their tips for success and biggest life lessons.
Keep It Positive, Sweetie
Sistas actress Crystal Renee Hayslett created the Keep It Positive, Sweetie podcast, which hones in on discussions like family, second chances, and the art of submission.
Diary of A CEO
Diary of A CEO is more than a business podcast. It highlights many conversations like how to sleep better, the benefits of fasting, and how to reduce toxins in your body.
Being Her
Margarita Nazarenko has built a loyal fanbase on social media from her straight, no-chaser advice on dating, and recently, she launched a podcast called Being Her. The podcast digs a little deeper into feminine energy, manifestation, and, of course, dating.
Healed Girl Era
Gia Peppers hosts the Healed Girl Era podcast, and the name says it all. If you're in your healed girl era or want to get in your healed girl era, then this podcast is for you as Gia and guests tackle topics like self-love and finding your joy.
Super Soul
Oprah's Super Soul podcast features interviews from a wide range of thought leaders in health and wellness, spirituality, and entertainment.
Everybody's Crazy
Everybody's Crazy is hosted by best friends April McDaniel and Savannah James as they open up about their friendship and navigating life. However, their girl talk doesn't shy away from tough conversations like grief and mom guilt and how to overcome it all.
Therapy For Black Girls
Therapy For Black Girls is a mental health podcast hosted by psychologist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford. The podcast covers everything, from dealing with depression to superwoman syndrome.
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