If the holidays seem to sneak up on you every year, then you may be in need of a few holiday-themed events. Planning a few events for the break is one wonderful way to spend time with your friends and family, while enjoying the holiday cheer.

1. Watch a holiday movie with your family

Some of the best are “Elf,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Scrooged” and “Home Alone.” My family watches a different holiday movie each weekend for the month of December, and it is one of our favorite ways to enjoy the holiday season.

2. Go ice skating at Hotel Del

What is better than skating under the sun? Going skating at the Hotel Del in Coronado is one of the best way to take advantage of Californian weather while still getting in the holiday spirit. Skating there with my family and friends was a highlight of my break last year. It tends to be pretty crowded, nevertheless, it is worth the wait.  

3. Go to a holiday-themed event with friends and family

The Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade at Hilton Park is perfect for animal lovers who want to celebrate with their pets during the holiday season. You get to bring your pet in a costume, walk around downtown San Diego on Dec. 11 and see other pet owners and their pets dressed for the holidays. If you can’t make it on this day, the Del Mar Fairgrounds has their Holiday of Lights event from Nov. 24 to Jan. 1. You can drive through a 1.5-mile route full of  themed lights and scenery.

4. Donate to holiday charities

Spreading the holiday spirit to those in need is one of the best ways to make someone else’s holidays while feeling like you have participated in something bigger than contenting yourself. So find an organization like Operation Christmas Child and spend time picking out the perfect present for a kid in need. This always reminds me of how fortunate I am to receive new gifts each year and makes the season of giving more abundant.

5. Drive around and admire the lights 

As simple as it sounds, this a wonderful way to see your neighbors’ decorations and get yourself in the spirit. My family has held this tradition for years, and each season we find the house with the craziest lights, and enjoy the view.

Hopefully participating in a few holiday-themed events this year will make the season even sweeter for you!

EDITORS’ NOTE 12/13/16: At 2:41 p.m., we removed an extraneous word.