Taking Lessons for Christmas

By Chris Kullstroem

Have you been thinking how fun it would be to try something new for the New Year? If it's one thing that keeps our minds going and keeps us staying interested in all that’s around us, it's learning something new. This Christmas, give yourself (and a friend or your significant other) the gift of learning something fun and interesting for the New Year.

1. Sign up for a class at your community college. Interested in art, creative writing, or photography? What about astronomy or marine science? There are also classes on first aid and CPR. You can also check out any presentations and lectures that are being held in the area.

2. Sign up for dance lessons. Have you been dying to learn how to belly dance?
How about swing dancing or ballroom dancing? Check out what's available at the dance studios in your town. And don't worry about signing up alone- many people sign up for dance lessons and find a partner when they get there!

3. Teach yourself a foreign language. If you've been meaning to either learn or refresh your Spanish, French, German, or other language you have an interest in, pick up a book and CD to learn the basics, or take a night class.

4. Buy that book! Is there a book that you've been meaning to read for the longest time, but you've been putting it off? Now that the winter season is upon us, go to the
Bookstore or used bookstore and pick out that book, along with a few others for some quiet evenings of good reads under a warm blanket.

5. Go to an astronomy public viewing night. Have you always wanted to look at the stars and learn about space? Many colleges with astronomy towers have public viewing nights, where you can look through telescopes and attend lectures on astronomy.

There’s no better gift to yourself than the gift of education and trying new. So this holiday season, take that leap and see what you can discover!