Christmas room makeover
Okay, a full-sized Nordmann probably won’t fit in your student room, and even if it does, you probably don't want to spend €50 on a tree that will only last three weeks. But that doesn't mean your room has to look dull. At Action, Hema or the thrift store, you can buy a mini Christmas tree for just a few euros. Decorate it with some baubles, garlands and lights: instant Christmas vibes guaranteed! Finish off the rest of your room with fairy lights, candles, Christmas gnomes and other decorations, and your student room immediately feels ten times cosier!
Winters Enschede
In December, the city centre of Enschede is extra cosy. Think of an ice rink on the Oude Markt, decorations, Christmas trees and special light projections during Enschede Lights Up. In the days before Christmas, the town hall is transformed into the Stadsherberg, where you can enjoy live music, creative workshops and a free cup of soup. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
Intratuin
Singing polar bears, entire Christmas villages and an Efteling replica... You'll only find that at Intratuin, of course! You don't even have to buy anything to get into the Christmas spirit; just walking past the Christmas trees, lights, and miniature houses is entertainment in itself. Bonus points if you get inspiration for your own Christmas room!
Christmas films
Nothing gets you in the festive mood faster than watching your favourite Christmas film in your pyjamas! Whether you go for Home Alone, The Grinch or one of those sugary, predictable Netflix romcoms (you know the ones...), they all do the trick. Don't forget the hot chocolate, snacks and warm blankets, and your Christmas film marathon can begin!
Writing Christmas cards
Why did we stop sending Christmas cards again? Buy some nice cards or make your own (Pinterest is your best friend), write a personal message and send them to your friends and family! You'll have a fun afternoon crafting and writing, and they'll be surprised to find a cheerful card among all the bills and adverts: win-win!
Christmas market
In theory, visiting a Christmas market costs nothing at all! Okay, with temptations like flammkuchen, glühwein and cute stalls with festive Christmas items, the chances you’ll go home empty-handed or with an empty stomach are basically zero, but that's a risk you’ll have to accept ;). Curious which Christmas markets near Enschede are worth visiting? You can read about them here!
Gingerbread house
In the mood for some chaos and creativity? Then build a gingerbread house! At the supermarket or shops like Action, Hema or Xenos, you’ll find complete sets with everything you need for a cosy evening. Invite your friends or housemates and turn it into a competition to see who can make the prettiest gingerbread house. Spoiler alert: your house will collapse at least twice. It's all part of the experience, shall we say ;).
Christmas walk
Have you had a long day of lectures, and could you use some fresh air? Then take an evening walk through the city centre or your own neighbourhood. Christmas lights, decorations and Christmas trees create the ultimate winter vibes and make your usual walking route feel a lot more magical!
DIY evening
A Christmas-themed DIY night is the perfect activity for you and your roommates, friends, or as a self-care activity! Make your own Christmas ornaments, cards, candles, tealight holders or other decorations. Don't forget to put on your favourite Christmas playlist, and you're guaranteed a cosy evening! And yes, you'll probably find glitter in places you wouldn't expect for the next six months…
Baking
Fancy a fun activity and something tasty? Then head to the kitchen to bake something delicious. Try Christmas cookies, Christmas wreaths, cinnamon rolls, or a wintery cake. Be warned, though, because your house will probably smell so good that your housemates will definitely want to come and have a try ;).
Christmas dinner
Hosting a Christmas dinner with friends or housemates is perhaps one of the nicest ways to get into the Christmas spirit! You can make it as expensive and elaborate as you like. Sure, you can cook a full four-course dinner for twenty people, but simply doing Dutch gourmet cooking (cooking in mini pans on a big grill plate together), cheese fondue, or just something other than pesto pasta already makes for a festive evening ;). Decorate the table with a nice table runner, name cards and candles, and it will instantly look cosy. Need some inspiration? These worldly classics are definitely worth trying!
