Celebrate the Holidays with Friends Between Family Meals

You and your friends may only be home for the holidays for so long, putting pressure on making the most of your time off. Between family visits and holiday meals, plan a few fun ways to fit in time with friends.

Catch up over a morning run or walk with friends before being whisked off to a family gathering. Take an hour or two to catch up, grab coffee and sync schedules for the next week. You will be glad to get outside for some fresh air once you’re back on the visiting rotation.

Plan a Secret Santa party and get together with friends for drinks, appetizers and gift exchanges. Get together at a bar or restaurant and make it a fun night out, or stay in at someone’s home and have a low-key house party. You’ll get the opportunity to catch up, see everyone at once and see what everyone is doing for New Year’s Eve.

Head out to a local holiday market and get some last-minute gifts with friends. You can pick up the last few stocking stuffers, decorations and candies you need without the family around while spending time with friends. Getting errands done while getting some quality time in is an easy and effective way to spend your time off before the holidays.