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 the Home 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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Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Roscoe Dash joined xoMan host Kiara Walker to share the journey of his personal and spiritual evolution—from the party anthems that made him famous to a deeper life rooted in faith, family, and purpose. This episode offers an honest look at how the artist has grown beyond early fame, addressing fatherhood, masculinity, creativity, and healing.
Dash opened up about the internal transformation that has guided him away from chasing the spotlight and toward seeking peace. “Faith and fear can’t occupy the same space,” he said, underscoring his shift toward a more spiritually grounded life. Throughout the interview, he emphasized the importance of self-reflection:
“The most important conversations to me, honestly, outside of the ones you have with God, is the ones you have with yourself in the mirror.”
Dash is focused on the man he’s become. “I’m not the accolades I’ve achieved—I’m the person who achieved them,” he added, pointing to a broader understanding of identity and worth. A large part of that growth has come through fatherhood, especially raising daughters, which he said has deepened his understanding of love. “Love is unconditional and love loves to love no matter what,” he shared.
He also spoke candidly about the pressures of fame and its impact on creativity. “Chasing fame can kill your creativity as a musician,” he warns. Instead, his advice to other artists is simple but clear: “Keep your focus on your art form, whatever that may be, and stay passionate.”
The conversation also touches on gender dynamics and emotional safety in relationships. “Safe men make soft women. If she feels safe, she’ll melt like butter,” he said, challenging traditional notions of masculinity. Roscoe also offers wisdom on discernment and spiritual testing: “Sometimes the devil will give you what looks better than your blessing.”
Ultimately, Dash has learned to embrace peace over chaos. “All I can do is control what I can control. And that's how I respond to things and what I'm giving out,” he said. It’s a thoughtful, soulful side of Roscoe Dash that many may not expect—but one that leaves a lasting impression.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube