A wintry mix of warm socks, the warmest regards and quality time spent with loved ones are enough to melt any heart in the cold weather. Texarkana is the perfect place to experience this mix. Even Northeast Texas gets a little chilly during the fall and winter months, bringing a range of fun activities and traditions to our area.

“Winter has to be my favorite season,” senior Damien Hamilton said. “It’s the season for hot chocolate. [My family] used to have this big winter hot chocolate drink-off to see who could finish first.”

Friendly competition has the capability to bring friends and family together, just like the familiar setting of a Christmas party.

“Christmas parties with my friends are the highlight of every single year,” Hamilton said. “We have secret santa going and give gag gifts to everybody, it’s really fun.”

Hamilton’s traditions can inspire feelings of warmth and holiday spirit. Seasonal food and drinks are a fun way to kick off the cold season, especially when surrounded by family and friendly competition.

“During Christmas, my family sometimes will go to IHop,” freshman Macy Sloan said. “I also like to go to the park because I enjoy how the pond kind of freezes when it gets really cold.”

Going out with family and experiencing Texarkana’s beauty is a great way to ring in seasonal changes, much like Sloan does. Whether going out or staying in with family, Texarkana is full of festive opportunities to spend one’s holiday season.

“Christmas is my favorite holiday,” sophomore Jaeda Johnson said. “My family gets together on Christmas Eve and we open our gifts at midnight.”

Traditions like Johnson’s are something that all of us have, and are well worth the yearlong wait. Some families consistently spend their holidays in their homes together, whereas others support the community during this time by lending a helping hand to families in the community.

“Last season I did a food baskets for families event during the christmas holiday. We made food baskets to give out to families who couldn’t afford Christmas meals,” senior Brennon Cope said. “This year I’m participating in supporting a child to give them Christmas presents and a Christmas their family can’t afford. I’m really looking forward to doing that with a couple of my friends in leadership class.”

Donating time and everyday items to shelters like Randy Sams can give anyone a sense of fulfillment and joy during the season of giving. Cope’s participation in these events is something that he can look forward to during the season.

Getting involved in community events and supporting local organizations is a fun way to enjoy the cold weather. From Christmas parades to “The Nutcracker,” Texarkana’s cold weather has many enjoyable factors, making the fall and winter months an exciting time in our town.

“Ugly sweater parties are really fun and the best part of Christmas,” junior Audrey Mohon. “I usually shop for [ugly sweaters] and it’s really fun.”