Time to Make Seasonal Memories in the DMV
Welcome to the winter holiday season! While snow isn’t on the ground yet, the recent drop in temperature could mean that it’s well on its way. Over the next few weeks, we’ll have ample opportunity to spend time together — with our immediate family, our extended family and our friends who are like family. NOVA’s Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing and the Monday Campaigns encourage you to embrace the full range of wellness offerings available at our doorsteps, including seasonal community events. Experience the social, physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of connecting with your community as you take in the sights, sounds, and tastes of the holidays.
Consider sending others the list below to help plan memory-making experiences for your family and friends. These low-cost, fun and accessible options can help you socialize, learn more about your hometown or even get in some extra movement this season.
- Seasonal decor: Visit the Loudoun Campus for the NOVA Horticulture Club’s annual poinsettia sale. Remaining sale dates are today, November 28, and Thursday, November 30.
- Seasonal music:
- The NOVA Loudoun Music Department is proud to present its winter recital on Thursday, November 30, from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. in the Waddell Theater (LW-115) on NOVA’s Loudoun Campus. All members of the NOVA community are invited to attend this free event.
- Attend the Alexandria Music Department’s holiday concert at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center (AS) at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 1.
- Need a reason to end the night with delicious hot chocolate? Visit one or two — or all! — of the ice skating rinks in Northern Virginia.
- Enjoy a night out on the town and support local thespians by attending an upcoming Cappies event. Cappies is a year-long program for local theater and journalism students through which they can attend each other’s shows, write reviews for publication and be honored for their achievements.
- Consider 10 Winter Activities in Northern Virginia for a variety fun and safe outdoor options, from exploring a former president’s estate to hiking for scenic mountain views, from strolling cobblestoned streets to taking an insider’s peek at a major movie set. And for a perfect ending to a cold winter day, warm up in your own personal igloo while enjoying locally crafted food and drink.
- Check out this list of winter and holiday events provided by Fun in Fairfax. If you haven’t visited Cox Farms, you’re missing out on area treasure!
- Fun in Fairfax also provides a list of the area’s not-to-be-missed light displays: Holiday Lights in the Northern Virginia DC Area 2023.
- Check out The Best Holiday Events & Light Displays in DC and Free Things to Do This Winter in Washington, DC, from Washington.org.
- Consider incorporating the spirit of hygge into your life this winter. Read What Is Hygge? How This Danish Custom Can Help Your Wellness for details on how to get started. You can even take your hygge up a notch with a fun challenge: 30 Days of Hygge in the Outdoors: Embracing Simplicity and Warmth.
- Plan a memorable outing inspired by first-hand experiences. Read stories from your neighbors on the area’s must-visit destinations.
- Read this article for tips on planning your own holiday staycation. Tourists make their way to the DMV in droves this time of year, so take advantage of our area’s treasured seasonal experiences.
Use the Monday Campaigns: Weekly Check-Ins
Action Items.
- Make plans now to prioritize your self-care.
- Consider using The Monday Campaign: Weekly Check-Ins.
Mindful awareness, accountability, goal setting and tracking progress are evidence-based techniques that enhance the success of a wellness plan. Each week, Monday Campaign participants are invited to use the weekly check-ins to help you:
Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer (CWO), employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu