Too busy for some holiday spirit? We got you.
Look, we get it. You’re busy. But that doesn’t mean the holidays are going to wait around for your calendar to clear up.
The Christmas lights are out, it’s getting cold (43 degrees in Palo Alto right now!), and that company holiday party is right around the corner. It’s now or never to get into the holiday spirit and we have 5 ways to get you there fast!
1) Create a Secret Santa group on Slack
Yep, that’s right. This year you don’t even need to leave your desk or close out of Slack to organize Secret Santa at work. Continue your growth hacking while Slack takes the reigns and randomly assigns Secret Santas to the group you select. You’ll still have to buy a gift, but that can be easy too. Who doesn’t like a good ole’ Starbucks gift card?!
2) Go ice skating!
Skip the gym for a day and burn those calories on the ice. The Winter Lodge in Palo Alto has been a holiday tradition since 1956 and by now, they can almost guarantee an uptick in your holiday cheer. Even if you fall flat on your face, it’s okay. For the hour you’re on the ice, you’ll be completely transported to a winter wonderland and won’t even consider those end of year deadlines at work.
The Winter Lodge: 3009 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
3) Take a drive by Christmas Tree Lane (and there are a few of them)
No need to put up Christmas lights this year to get in the holiday spirit. All you have to do is hop in your car and drive down to Christmas Tree Lane in Palo Alto. Leave all the electrical work to the experts — this block has been coming together since 1940 to do this. Walk around, check out all the houses lit up, and just be glad you don’t actually live on this street.
Christmas Tree Lane: Fulton St Between Embarcadero Rd & Seale Ave, Palo Alto. There’s also one in San Carlos if you live north and the Fantasy of Lights in Los Gatos if you live further south.
4) Make yourself a stiff, holiday drink
Eggnog with brandy is a classic. But if you want to mix things up this year, try making a Rusty Nutcracker. It’s a favorite down at Old World Spirits in Belmont and it’s pretty easy to make. Just combine 2 oz gin, 2 oz black walnut liqueur, a splash of orange bitters, and ice into a pint glass. Stir (don’t shake) for 10–15 seconds and strain into a into a glass. Get extra fancy with some orange zest and an orange garnish. If you do make a Rusty Nutcracker, be prepared for some high amounts of holiday spirit in your system. Experts claim it’s like drinking Christmas.
