How to Spend One's Holidays Without Getting Bored

Co-authored by Seth Hall and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: December 18, 2024 Approved

Are you spending your holidays sitting around bored with nothing to do? Don't waste your precious days off - there many, many things you can do to occupy yourself, even if the holidays are a week-long or longer. You can find many ways to fill your days, both inside and out, using your intellect or your creative energies, or simply hanging out with other people.

Method 1

Method 1 of 7:

Enjoying the great outdoors

Download Article

1
Step out into the fresh air. Simple outdoor pleasures are highly underrated. Not only is a quick trip out of the house invigorating and mood-lifting, but also a great opportunity for exercise. If you have been thinking of reducing those bulges, then go out and jog, walk or do any outdoor physical activity you enjoy. A walk in the nature always enlivens the mood.
- If the weather is bad or you do not want to go out, then go to the gym or do sit-ups inside the house as a form of exercise. It will energize you and make you feel productive.
2
Do something you have never done before. If you have been thinking of doing something and never have the time to do it, then do it. Do not waste your time sitting in front of the TV and watching reruns over and over when you could be broadening your horizons with a brand-new experience. Below are just a few ideas:
- Travel and expose yourself to different lifestyles and cultures^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Seth Hall
  Life Coach
  
  Expert Interview. 16 November 2021.}
- Trying a new kind of food
- Checking out a new club or hang-out spot
- Playing a new sport
- Exploring a new area of wilderness.
Advertisement
^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Seth Hall
Life Coach

Expert Interview. 16 November 2021.} Grab a companion and try to find cool new places to explore. Visit a town you have never been to, or go for a walk in the woods. Remember to practice good safety habits when exploring a new area and take a charged mobile phone with you.
You can ride your bike, walk, play your favorite sport or even try a new one. Any of these sorts of activities are a good way to get healthy.

Method 2

Method 2 of 7:

Learning activities

Download Article

Expand your knowledge by investigating something you haven't previously had time to learn about. This can be anything, from astronomy to zoology!
^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Seth Hall
Life Coach

Expert Interview. 16 November 2021.} The holidays are a great time to spend on self-improvement. Devote your time to something you haven't previously had time to practice, such as dancing, playing the piano, swimming, etc. The more skills you have, the more opportunities are open to you in life. All of these shall prove useful one day,
Language skills are some of the most useful, universal ones on the planet. Use your time to learn any new language or learn a form of programming like visual basic or HTML. If you're especially bored, try making your own codes or ciphers. Learning new programming languages will also prove beneficial for you.
Any book can help expand your vocabulary and creative writing abilities. However, choose your book wisely so it is worth your time - pulpy, trashy dime store novels are fun, but aren't terribly enlightening. Choose a book which makes you feel happy and at the same time adds a new dimesion/perspective to you.

Method 3

Method 3 of 7:

Spending time with others

Download Article

If you can't think of things to do, one of your friends probably can. When all else fails, simply try going for picnics or hanging out at a shopping mall with your friends. A sleepover is another great idea.
If you have nothing you need to do for yourself, you may want to volunteer to help someone else. Ask friends and relatives if they have any projects they need help on, and, if so, offer your services!
The holidays are a great opportunity to have rare, cherished conversations with family members you haven't seen for a long time. For instance, you might want to visit your grandparents and have a quality talk with them. You might be surprised how funny and insightful some of your very own relatives have become without your noticing.
Time with a cherished animal friend is underrated, especially if it's with one you haven't seen for a while. Your pet (or pets) probably miss you if you've been gone, so spend a little time walking them, playing with them, etc. A pet's unconditional love can be a great mood-booster if you've become oppressively bored over the holidays.
5
Get to know more people. If there's no one around that you'd like to spend time with, don't forget that you always have the option of making new friends. You might choose to do this at a social hang-out spot like a club, or, alternatively, at an event like a concert. Don't be afraid to approach and talk to people you meet - new friendships have to start somewhere!
- You'll never make new friends from inside your home, so get out there! Getting out of the house is the most crucial, pivotal step in turning a boring holiday into a fun, productive one.
Having a party is a great way to have fun. You can invite your friends and have a fiesta themed on the weather. If it's sunny, have it beach themed. If it's cold, you and your friends can stay inside and have a nice cup of cocoa.

Method 4

Method 4 of 7:

Being creative

Download Article

1
Create art. Use your free time to dive into the creative pursuit of your choice. If you are interested in music, then try making some new music. If you love writing, then try making an article on WikiHow! The possibilities are endless.
- Try such artistic endeavors as clay modelling, or a collage, or even start decorating your room. Choose things that let you express your mind.

Method 5

Method 5 of 7:

Making money

Download Article

If you're saving up for something but can't be bothered to wait, set up a stall outside your house. It's the easiest thing to do - get some old toys and make some food, and you're done. If it doesn't go that well, at least you had fun trying and you've tidied out the old things to make way for the new. Check with your local council to make sure you are allowed to do this.
Try babysitting, car washing, lawn mowing, garden tidying, house-sitting, pet-sitting, dog walking, etc.

Method 6

Method 6 of 7:

Expected tasks

Download Article

The holidays are one of the few times each year when most people have lots of free time. If you have no pressing commitments with family or friends, consider using your time to finish duties that you've been putting off for a long time. For instance, if you've neglected cleaning your room for ages, devote your entire afternoon to doing so. Other good ideas include filing your taxes, running errands, paying bills, re-organizing your closet, and servicing your car.

Method 7

Method 7 of 7:

Do nothing now and then

Download Article

1
Relax. If none of these ideas appeal, perhaps it's a rest day. Just do whatever you want or do nothing at all. Have a day in and relax, or go kite-flying. It's up to you!
- Try cloud-watching or star-gazing. It's a good excuse to lie on the ground and just watch the sky fly by.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What can you learn during the holidays?

Seth Hall
Life Coach
Seth T. Hall (ICF ACC, CLC, and MNLP) is a Certified Life Coach and Founder of Transformational Solutions, a Los Angeles-based life-coaching company that helps people achieve their toughest goals, find their own voice, and think outside the box. He has been a life coach for over 10 years, specializing in personal development, relationships, career and finance, and wellness. He has helped his clients break the negative cycles in their lives and replace them with a positive, proactive mindset. Seth believes that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling and rewarding life, and works passionately to help them reach their full potential. With a deep understanding of how our minds work and the power of positive thinking, he encourages his clients to find their unique paths in life and find success on their own terms. He is a certified master practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a featured co-author for WikiHow, and co-author of "The Mountain Method”, “The Happy Tiger”, and “The V.I.S.I.O.N.S. Program”.

Seth Hall

Life Coach

Expert Answer

I believe that the holidays are more for connection and relaxation than for being productive. You get to be productive the other 11 months of the year. It's okay to take time for yourself and your family and relax or go on a trip.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 33
Question

My friend and I want to make plans but don't know what to do. Could you give us a few ideas?

Janice Tieperman

Community Answer

If you both aren’t doing anything over the weekend, consider planning a camping trip! If you’d prefer an indoor activity, try planning a movie night instead.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 25
Question

How should I spend my holidays at home?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

If you have family at home, you can make the most of your holiday by planning quality time with them. You might invite other family and friends over for a special meal, have a family game night, or even binge watch a favorite show together. If you’re by yourself, consider inviting friends over, filling the time by working on a hobby or creative project, or getting some work done around your home.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 23 Helpful 18

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Reader Videos

Tips

Remember to spend your time wisely! It might be a while before you get more time off!

Thanks
Helpful 11 Not Helpful 4
Avoid getting yourself in a routine; do not do the same thing every day!

Thanks
Helpful 8 Not Helpful 8
Don't get into trouble during the holidays.

Thanks
Helpful 8 Not Helpful 8