Whether this is your first or fiftieth holiday season in New York, there are plenty of exciting ways to celebrate before the year is over. 

Roommates that decorate together, stay together

If you’re in New York, head to the The Christmas Cottage on the corner of W 56th and 7th Ave (a few blocks up from the June’s Times Square home), where you’ll find little fake Christmas trees, ornaments, lights and stockings that you and your roommates can decorate together. No matter where you are, there always seems to be a holiday shop around this time of year!

Dirty Santa

Here’s how to play: everybody spends $30 (or however much) on a gift, wrap it and put it in the pile. Take turns picking a gift and either keep it or steal someone else’s!  

Get drunk!

Whip up some mulled wine or eggnog martinis in your apartment. They both may sound intimidating, but they’re easier than you think.

Check out these links for some recipe inspo: 

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/mulled-wine-recipe-1950801

http://cocktails.foodviva.com/martini-recipes/eggnog-martini-recipe/

Eat with your roommates, eat a lot

Holiday themed dinners every Sunday night: In the beginning of the week assign one roomie to cook the holiday Sunday dinner. They can make whatever they want! Matzah balls for Hanukkah, lamb chops for Christmas, Cajun catfish for Kwanzaa etc. etc.

Spread holiday kindness (and calories)

This is something I do every year and always have a lot of fun with, my personal rendition on secret Santa. Bake treats in your apartment with your roomies, anything you want: cookies, brownies, peppermint bark, toffee etc. Wrap a few of the treats in a decorative bag and drop them off on random doorsteps with a note to pay it forward. Proceed to eat the leftovers.