The time of the year that every college student has been counting down for is finally here: winter break! But after the excitement of being home wears off and the reunion parties with your high school friends come to an end, the never-ending boredom and restlessness sets in. Instead of rotting on your couch eating leftover Christmas cookies, here are 10 ways to get up off that couch and do something!
1. Clean out your closet!
Why spring-clean and miss out on the beautiful weather when you can winter-clean while snowed in! Winter break is the perfect time to tackle your closet and sort through what you actually wear and what you don't. Since we usually bring our favorite things to college, everything left at home is most likely the items we like but don't actually wear. A great way to get rid of items that are hard to part with is to take them to your nearest Plato's Closet, where they will pay you cash for your old goodies! However, they do call it the season of giving for a reason! Anything that Plato's Closet doesn't take you can donate to the needy!
2. Volunteer at your local soup kitchen.
Soup kitchens are very busy, crowded, and in need of volunteers this time of year. What better way to spend your winter break than giving back to those in need?
3. Hit the gym!
Although you are only home for a little over a month, and paying membership fees seems like a waste, there are still ways to get to the gym, and for free! Many gyms offer free new-member trials that can range from anywhere from a week to a month! This is the perfect way to work off those Christmas cookies, get up off the couch, and test out gyms for summer break! Spring break body, here I come!
4. Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer!
Whether it be at your local animal shelter, handing out much-needed items to the homeless, or collecting items for food pantries, there is always a need for volunteers in your community. The best way to find volunteer jobs is to check with your local churches, charities and town websites,
5. Get an out-of-the-box job.
Jobs are very hard to come by since you are home for so little time, but they are out there! Instead of applying for seasonal positions at stores, look for jobs such as babysitting, dog sitting or walking, tutoring for children, being a companion for the elderly, or helping clean houses! There are a ton of out-of-the box jobs out there!
6. Bake!
What better way is there to prep for holiday festivities than baking? Get out of that Netflix binge and look up recipes to try out so you can brag that "you made that" at holiday parties! Even better, baking doesn't have to be just a solo activity -- it can be done with family and friends as well!
7. Go on a hike.
Hiking isn't just a spring and summer activity, but a winter one as well! Whether or not there is snow on the ground, nature is beautiful this time of year and there are no leaves on the trees to obstruct awesome scenic overlooks. Be sure to dress for the weather and pack plenty of water!
8. Check out local craft shows.
Because it is the season of giving, there are many craft shows where local artists display and sell their work as gifts! Instead of buying gifts and Christmas tree ornaments at a store, why not buy one-of-a-kind, handmade ones from a local artist? Not only will you have a meaningful item to hang up and give, but you will also feel really warm and fuzzy inside for supporting artists that live off the profits they make from these shows!
9. Go on a tour of local light shows!
When I think of December, I think of lights and decorations! A great way to spend a weekday night is piling in a car with your friends and checking out the decorations houses in you neighborhood have. Like Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, many communities go all out and advertise it online!
10. Do activities that are winter-only!
'Tis the season to gather up your friends and family and go ice skating or sledding!
Wintertime is one of the greatest times of the year, so be sure to get out and enjoy it! Happy Holidays!
