While winter is often thought of as cold, icy and snowy, bringing freezing temperatures and thick jackets, Carlsbad High School students experience a different kind of winter break. With mild weather and festive activities, students are finding cozy ways to relax and embrace the winter spirit.
For many students, winter break is a chance to slow down and enjoy simple comforts at home. Relaxing activities can help students wind down and prepare for the new semester.
“One thing I’ve done so far during this winter to feel relaxed and cozy is grab a blanket and watch a Christmas movie in my bed,” junior Tristan Thornton said.
Living in Carlsbad shapes how students experience winter compared to other parts of the country. While colder climates bring snow and skiing, San Diego’s weather brings opportunities to continue outdoor activities all year long.
“I don’t get to experience the true snowy cold winters that some other places have, even though I like the nice weather more,” Thornton said. “I still like to go to colder places to snowboard and just enjoy the winter feel, like Mammoth over break.”
Carlsbad’s mild climate allows students to continue many of their usual outdoor activities. They continue to carry out their typical summer routines, while still in the winter spirit.
“I usually spend winter in Carlsbad by being outside, surfing, going to the beach, doing summer things,” Thornton said.
As the days are shorter and the sun sets earlier, students are encouraged to spend more time indoors. Winter can offer a balance between outdoor days and calmer indoor activities.
“Compared to the other times of the year, if I want to go for a walk or something, I have to go out earlier because it gets dark earlier,” junior Marseille Varela said. “Usually I’ll just do more inside stuff like watching a movie or reading.”
Seasonal traditions still allow students to feel the holiday spirit. Festive locations around San Diego create a winter atmosphere, without snow. These places can bring nostalgia and warmth that define the season.
“I like going to the Christmas tree lots and walking through the trees and smelling the nice Christmas air,” Thornton said. “It’s just a festive thing to do that feels special.”
Over break, students can participate in many winter activities, from inexpensive options like simply going for a walk and looking at the Christmas decorations, to planning trips to the mountains, snowboarding or skiing.
“For winter break, I’m going to go to Big Bear with my friend,” Varela said. “We’re going to play in the snow, make snowmen, and go in the hot tub.”
While an option in Southern California includes a snowy Big Bear, San Diego also offers seasonal attractions that bring classic winter activities to the coast. One includes going ice skating by the sea in Coronado, allowing people to enjoy festive ice skating while looking out at the ocean.
“I think the thought of doing something festive and fun for the Christmas season made me want to go to Coronado during the wintertime and go ice skating,” Thornton said.
After outdoor activities, students can continue the cozy festive theme by stopping for hot chocolate. This is a common way that students can unwind, enjoying the holiday experience.
“Hot chocolate made me feel like a kid again,” Thornton said. “It’s just so festive during the winter to be able to feel the warmth.”
Even without a snowy winter, San Diego balances comfort and holiday spirit. Doing winter activities over break can bring more festivity to the area.
“If I had to recommend one cozy winter activity to other students, it would be to grab a blanket and watch a Christmas movie, and make hot cocoa,” Thornton said.
