The #FirefliNerds work hard year-round, but we sure know how to unplug and relax when given the opportunity. We look at the holidays as the opportunity to hit the big red RESET button and refresh our minds for the new year.
Before reading this post, we invite you to cozy up by the fire, turn on some Christmas music, or just play this wonderful relaxing YouTube video…
Get Some Nerd R&R
The #FirefliNerds work hard year-round, but we sure know how to unplug and relax when given the opportunity. We look at the holidays as the opportunity to hit the big red RESET button and refresh our minds for the new year. Often times, people equate the holiday season with hustle, bustle, and stress. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Take our advice: CHILL in your personal nerd-dom whenever you get the chance.
1. Play Video Games
Okay, technically this one is the opposite of unplugging, but at least you’re plugged into fantasy and not your daily grind. The #GlowBros are known for their affinity for catching up on a year’s worth of not gaming very quickly during their time off. Sometimes they even get together for a marathon. Want to be cool like the #GlowBros? Pick up one of these games:
2. Read For Pleasure
We spend a lot of time pouring over the latest tech articles over the course of a year, but sometimes you just need to get lost in a good book. Many of the #FirefliNerds plan to conquer some long-neglected books over the holidays. From fiction to non-fiction to self-help, we dig it all. Here are a few on our reading list:
3. Get Your Hobby On
We have a great company culture in that we all mesh very well, but we are all very much individuals. Which means we have a vast array of personal hobbies. Hobbies that we all plan to catch up on during our downtime. If you like to be hands-on here are some ways cool projects to do.
- Refinish a kitchen backsplash with reclaimed wood
- Make succulent arrangements
- Trying new recipes
Be Festive
As the great holiday hero, Kevin McCallister, said to the waiter who offered only two scoops of ice cream, “Two? Make it three. I’m not driving.” It’s easy to get stressed out and be a Scrooge around the holiday season, but we say, enjoy it while it lasts! Embrace the endless stream of holly jolly obligations (after you get a solid reading or gaming marathon in, of course.)
1. Holiday Parties
We’re kicking off our holidays with a #FirefliNerd party, but for many of us, it’s just one of the many celebrations we’ll be attending this season. Ugly Christmas Sweaters are encouraged, but not required (though Kelly wishes they were). But what is required is some holiday cheers! Here are some ways to make them even more enjoyable:
- Steal everyone’s present in Dirty Santa
- Drink Dark and Stormies
- Play Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer by DMX
Bonus: Fill your booze bucket with local beer and custard!
2. Eat #AllTheSweets
Caleb is secretly a British chef and John is king of cast iron dishes. Embrace the best season for stuffing yourself with sweets. From pastries to candy canes to Homestead Creamery’s eggnog, make sure you indulge. After all, it’s the best way to feel as holly and jolly as Santa. (Just make sure you leave him some cookies.) Here are some suggested recipes:
- British Scones
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Macarons
- Chocolate-Espresso Dacquoise Cake
Get Out and About
We spend a lot of time glued to our computers indoors when we’re not taking lunch on the local city rooftop. But it’s important to get out and get some fresh air and see some new sights when you have the time. Though we’re avid explorers pretty much year-round, we really embrace the freedom to go and see as we please.
1. Go Hiking
We’re lucky to have pretty mild winters and some incredible local trails. Whether it’s taking a stroll on the Greenways with your loved one or taking the pups for a cool, crisp hike, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, outside. Maybe check out some new places like these:
- Grayson Highlands
- Mill Mountain Star, a classic
- Buffalo Mountain
2. Do Some Traveling
Sometimes we catch the travel bug too! Beyond going to see family, we like to discover new places. For example, John’s thinking about taking a few day trips. Kelly plans to travel to see friends. Here are a few spots to check out:
- Farmville’s Greenfront Furniture
- Anywhere in Asheville
- Camping World Bowl in Orlando
At the end of the day, the #FirefliNerds work hard to play hard. Enjoy the holiday season while it lasts! It’ll be gone in a flash.
From all of us at Firefli, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
