OC HIGH STUDENT NEWS AND VIEWS : Break Tradition : No plans for the winter vacation? Start something. Fun activities might even spark new rituals.

Do you ever get so bored during winter break that you actually find yourself wishing you were back in school? Do you succumb, year after year, to the winter blues? Here’s a sampling of things to do and places to go that can help make the holiday break merrier and get you into the spirit of the season.

Ice-Skating

Ice-skating is a true winter activity. There are several ice-skating arenas in the area. Public sessions run about $8 with skate rentals, but prices vary. Some are: Glacial Gardens in Anaheim, (714) 502-9023; Ice Chalet in Costa Mesa, (714) 979-8880, and Side by Side Rinks in Huntington Beach, (714) 847-8333.

Notes: Dress warmly. Great date idea; fun with friends.

Christmas Caroling

Christmas caroling can be a lot of fun. Gather a group of friends or family and stroll your neighborhood, equipped with your holiday voices and some song sheets. Popular selections include “The First Noel,” “Silent Night,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Joy to the World” and the eternal classic “Jingle Bells.” Then hop back to your house for cookies and hot chocolate.

Notes: Dress warmly; fun with friends and family.

Midnight Services

Midnight services commemorating the birth of Jesus are held in many churches on Christmas Eve. Singing, candlelight and holiday decorations all combine to make the ceremonies especially beautiful.

Notes: Call ahead for times, as services don’t necessarily begin at midnight.

Volunteering

Shelters and convalescent homes are just some of the places that need help during the holidays. Discover the spirit of giving--of yourself. Contact the Volunteer Center of Orange County at (714) 953-5757 to offer your services. Here are a few places to start: ARK Services for Abused Children, (714) 978-0340; CASA Youth Shelter, (310) 594-6825; Child Guidance Center, (714) 953-4455; HUMAN Options, (714) 497-5620; Laguna Niguel Sunshine Outreach, (714) 837-6199, and Olive Crest Center for Abused Children, (714) 777-4999.

Notes: Free. Rewarding experience that can be done on your own or shared with friends or family members on a one-time, seasonal or long-term basis.

New Year’s Eve Party at Disneyland

A fun-filled evening. The place is usually packed, but the spectacular fireworks display at midnight makes fighting the crowds worthwhile. The park opens at 8 a.m. and the party continues until 3 a.m. The crowds usually thin out by 1 a.m., leaving two hours for some serious partying. What a way to bring in the New Year.

Notes: Tickets are $31 for adults; $25 for ages 3-11. Great date idea; fun with friends; transportation needed.

Skiing/Snow Play

For skiers, there are local resorts such as Mountain High, Snow Summit and all the resorts in the San Bernardino and Mt. Baldy areas. But what about those who don’t ski? Now there’s snow play at most ski resorts, designed to keep children and non-skiers happy and busy. Most feature rides, snow-related games and a “bunny-size” hill for sliding down in inner tubes. Tubing can be expensive if you pay by the ride. A better bet is usually to buy an all-day ticket.

Notes: Dress warmly, maybe even take a change of clothes. Great date idea; fun with friends; transportation needed. Save some money for hot chocolate afterward.

Secret Santa Parties

Organize a group of friends, put your names into a hat, then have each person draw a name. You become a Secret Santa to the person whose name you drew. Mysteriously deliver low-cost gifts to your designated person several times before Christmas, keeping your identity a secret. Then give him or her a larger gift on Christmas day, revealing yourself as the Secret Santa. Or you can decide to keep your Santa identity a mystery until the stroke of midnight at a New Year’s Eve party, when the group gets together again and Secret Santas tell all. Anything goes. Add a few touches of your own, and off you go.

Notes: You can keep costs down and encourage creativity by putting a low limit on spending.

Mall Outings

Most malls and shopping centers feature special decorations and entertainment during the holidays. Some of this “mall magic” includes carolers, balloons and visits with Santa Claus. Call the information center at a nearby mall to find out the entertainment schedule. Then get a group of friends together for an outing.

Notes: Free, if you can resist shopping.

Cookies and Movies

Invite a few friends over for a night that can be lots of fun. Get out the cookie cutters and rolling pin and get dusty with flour while you make some good, old-fashioned Christmas cookies. While you’re experimenting with cookie creations, pop a Christmas classic into the VCR. Some suggestions: “Miracle on 34th Street,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Babes in Toyland.” For more recent hits, try “Home Alone” (the original and sequel) and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

Notes: Fun with friends; great date idea; free, if you already have the videos and cookie-making supplies.

Holiday Scavenger Hunt

This can be a part of a party or an activity in itself. Organize a group and create a list. Some suggested items for a holiday scavenger hunt: different colored ornaments, a non-working Christmas light, a piece of mistletoe, a signed drawing of a Christmas tree, a Christmas cookie, a holiday sticker of some sort and a green M&M.; Add your own items, and turn your party into a wild and crazy event.

Notes: Fun excuse to meet neighbors and visit those you know but haven’t seen for a while.

High School Shows

Performances vary from school to school, but most high school drama or choral departments put on inexpensive holiday shows. Plan to meet friends at the production and then head out to someone’s house for dessert.

Notes: Seeing your classmates on stage is a fun change of pace; many have talents you might not have realized.

Girls/Guys Night Out

Pull out the formals, grab the heels, iron that tux and head to--Goofy’s Kitchen? Yes! It’s fun to go formal to a place that’s casual. Anything can happen! Some suggestions: Goofy’s Kitchen, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim; Ruby’s on the Balboa Pier; the Cheesecake Factory in Newport Beach; Hard Rock Cafe in Newport Beach or Los Angeles; Planet Hollywood in Costa Mesa.

Notes: The fun of dressing up without an expensive event to go to; no corsages or limos needed.

Decorate a Tree

Decorating the Christmas tree can become a magical family evening. Get out the ornaments, string the lights, play some Christmas music . . . brew some tea, cider or hot chocolate. Afterward, admire the tree and discuss your wishes for the holiday season, or any other relaxing topic. Some ideas for homemade ornaments: popcorn strings and clothespin soldiers.

Notes: Great with friends or family.

Special Performances

“The Glory of Christmas” is the annual holiday play performed at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. The cast consists of people of all ages and is fun for friends, dates or the entire family. Shows continue through Dec. 30. Tickets $20 to $30. For reservations, contact the Crystal Cathedral at (714) 544-5679.

Notes: Keep your eye out for other special events keyed to the holidays.

Hockey Games

Just because the NHL can’t get its act together doesn’t mean hockey fans should be left stranded! The holiday season is an excellent time to watch hockey, especially in person.

The San Diego Gulls, minor league/IHL affiliate of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, continue to play at their home rink, the San Diego Sports Arena. Tickets are inexpensive ($18 will score you a glass seat, if available), and the games are lots of fun, even for new fans. Several of the Mighty Ducks have moved to the San Diego team during the NHL lockout, so look for them on the opening roster. Car-pool with a group of friends, and make it an evening to remember. For tickets or more information, contact the San Diego Sports Arena box office at (619) 224-4176 or Ticketmaster at (714) 740-2000.

Notes: Fun with friends; great date idea; transportation needed.

Light Displays

Around the holidays, traffic in residential areas seems to move slower than ever. The reason: spectacular displays of Christmas lights. From a simple strand of lights to an elaborate display--complete with fake snow, a plastic St. Nick and reindeer--decorations on individual houses turn many neighborhoods into festive places. Check the paper or ask around to find the best light and decoration displays. Then, round up the gang, hop in the car and enjoy the view.

Notes: Free, except for gas money; fun with friends or family.

All-Night Restaurants

After caroling or cruising around to view Christmas lights, check out your local Denny’s or Denny’s-equivalent. Snuggle up with friends in a booth (the later, the better) for a cup of hot chocolate or an early breakfast. Both hit the spot after you’ve been out in the cold.

Notes: Inexpensive; fun with friends or dates.

Holiday Scrapbook

If you are creative, try putting together a family scrapbook of previous holidays. Ask family members from far and near to contribute to your scrapbook with memories, cards, photos and more. Present it to another family member as a gift or leave it on the coffee table for all to view during the holiday season. You can be sure the book will be appreciated and enjoyed by all who browse through it. It’s fun to relive holidays past. When the holidays of 1994 come to an end, add those photos and other mementos. Be sure to take a camera to all the holiday events you attend this season. Start a tradition. Notes: Free; great family activity.