The holiday season is in full swing which means one thing: Mariah Carey and Wham! Christmas songs are on repeat for all of December. While these classics are still enjoyed by many, we at Highsnobiety like to do things a bit differently. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, or something else altogether, we partnered with Avión tequila to depart the norm and put together a guide to doing holidays a bit differently, no matter what you observe. Skip the usual tree lighting and forget the eggnog this season, we've got some more interesting ways to celebrate.
Check out the Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour
The annual Rockefeller Center tree lighting in Midtown Manhattan may be an iconic holiday tradition to some, but some locals (myself included) may find the spectacle a bit overwhelming with thousands of people from all over the country flocking to the site. Instead, hit up NYC’s Ghost of Christmas Past walking tour, a unique excursion through the East Village and Greenwich Village presenting real paranormal stories from these areas, all with a special seasonal focus on Christmas ghost stories. Held every year in December, discover why Victorians loved to tell ghost stories during Christmas, delve into the dark side of Christmas folklore and discover its connections to the immigrant communities of the East Village, and much more. Check tour dates and ticket availability here.
Enjoy a winter margarita punch over that other drink
Who actually likes eggnog? The idea of boozy dairy never sat well with me, and probably won’t sit well in the stomachs of most people either. Save the eggnog for your parents and level up your holiday with a winter margarita punch using Avión tequila. With tons of recipes available online, this festive take on a summertime staple is a breeze to make, and Avión Silver’s exceptionally smooth finish will have you asking for round two in no time.
Have a ballin’ Chinese take-out dinner
It’s been a well-documented fact that Jewish people in the States, especially in New York City, frequent Chinese food establishments during Christmas, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only ones who should chow down on this delicious cuisine. While this offbeat tradition is rooted in historical, sociological, and religious circumstances, it also had a lot to do with the fact that Chinese restaurants were the only establishments open on Christmas. One of Highsnobiety NYC’s favorite Chinese restaurants is the legendary China Chalet in Financial District, a take-out joint in the daytime that moonlights as a club after hours.
Skate a frozen lake or pond
Admittedly, this may be harder to achieve than some of the other festivities on the list, but if you’re in a rural area with large bodies of freshwater nearby, there’s a solid chance it’ll freeze over during the winter months (provided you live in an area with seasons). There’s nothing quite like the feeling of gliding silently across a frozen wonderland, just make sure it’s safe to do so before getting in.
Take on the Polar Plunge
While this event is typically held during the New Year depending on what part of the world you're from, polar plunges have become increasingly popular as a novel winter tradition for those with the thickest of skin. Based right here in New York, the Coney Island Polar Bear Club is the oldest winter swimming organization of its kind and hosts weekly dips in the Atlantic every Sunday from November through April.
Rock a swaggy holiday sweater
Let’s all agree that the ugly Christmas sweater is a tired tradition that’s probably past its sell-by date in 2019. Why be stuck with an unappealing garment worn only once a year when you should be looking your best at all times, especially during the holidays. So save the offensive duds for another occasion and opt for something far simpler, like this peregrine falcon knit sweater from Aimé Leon Dore.
