Escaping the Holiday Dead Zone

In a couple days, living rooms across America will look like they've been hit by a tsunami as oceans of torn wrapping paper, ribbon and assorted gifts are strewn haphazardly across the floor while families in sugar cookie induced comatose states stare blankly at an unceasing stream of college football games.

Ah, Christmas!

For many of us, the week between Christmas and New Year's Day is the perfect opportunity to take time off.  Kids are out of school on winter break, relatives visiting from out of town and offices operating on skeleton crews means when it comes being "productive" not much can be expected until 2010.

Since there are only so many football games one can watch, or after-Christmas sales one can shop, the question becomes, "What now?"  The fact is you've got seven days of free time to take advantage of--why not make the most of your holiday vacation?

Here are eight ideas for escaping the dead zone:

1. Play with your toys - Chances are you got a nifty new gadget as one of your gifts.  Take the opportunity to read the user's manual, send in the warranty card and figure out how your new Droid smartphone, Flip Mino or Tom Tom ONE works.  Really sitting down and taking the time to learn how these little techo-wonders work opens up all sorts of features and functions that you might miss by attempting to learn on the fly.
2. White Elephant Swap - Not so thrilled with some of your presents?  Throw a potluck party and invite friends over to swap away their unwanted bounty.  You never know:  one man's trash compactor might be another's treasure.  It certainly beats re-gifting Aunt Mabel's crocheted pot holders to Cousin Lucy next year (which you most definitely don't want to do, since Aunt Mabel already made Cousin Lucy the exact same pot holders...) and while you might not find a gem to replace the not-so-coveted pot holders, everyone will have a good laugh...
3. Clean up, clear out - When it comes time to put those bright, shiny presents away, you may come to find your closets already overflowing.  Although it's not quite 2010, it's a good a time as any to make a de-cluttering resolution--which quite simply means for anything new you bring into your space, something's gotta go.  So load up the old digital camera, extra sweaters, mis-matched dinner plates and circa 2007 laptop to make room for their replacements.  If your old stuff's in good condition, maybe put together a garage sale--or take it to the Salvation Army or Goodwill.  The timing's great for charitable donation--as a bonus to feeling good about de-cluttering your space, recycling and helping the less fortunate, you get yourself a nice tax write-off!
4. Check Ups - You know that annual physical, mammogram, dental cleaning, eye exam you've been putting off all year 'cuz you never have any time?  Well, now you do.  While many medical offices do shut down or scale back around the holiday, chance are there are even more who could accommodate a December 28th, 29th or 30th appointment.  I know, I know--who wants to go to the dentist on their vacation?  But look on the bright side:  you're guaranteed to max out your FSA before the year ends! 
5. Catch a flick - Since the holidays are more about having a good time than a tune-up, you should most definitely make time to check some of the soon to be Oscar-nominated films out at this time of year.  Time off means you can benefit from matinee pricing and save some cash on movie tickets. 
6. Get some culture - Plan a family field trip to your local museum or art gallery.  Museum.com can give you the 411 on current exhibitions.  Or play tourist in your own town:  check out local attractions via your town's tourism association.
7. Explore the great outdoors -  Whether it's a day trip to a nearby ski resort, hiking local trails or even bundling up for a night tour of your neighborhood's holiday lights, make sure to unplug yourself from the couch and enjoy some fresh air.  Unless it's blizzarding where you are.  In that case, stay inside and stay warm!
8. Read a book - If you're like me, you never have time to sit down and curl up with a good book.  Seven days is just enough time to immerse yourself in a great novel--or two!  And flipping over that final page gives a nice sense of accomplishment. 

How do you plan to spend your winter break? Let us know in the comments!