We can’t stop and we won’t stop; that’s the kind of mentality you need when December 1st hits. Thanksgiving is long over now and the whole Black Friday/Cyber Monday fiasco is put to rest and it’s go time. You got a glimpse of what it’s like hanging out with family stuffing your face with turkey and all other sorts of goodness but now, now it’s prime-time baby. And for many of you, it’s the best season around. It’s happening right here right now.
Normally during this time, you’d be at home helping your family put up the tree and decorate the house, but if you’re like many college students cramped up in their dorm rooms with no snow on the ground (curse you, global climate change), you’re stuck trying to fight through finals barely realizing it’s go time.
So, I’m going to remind you that 'tis the season to be awesome and please do keep studying and plowing through the last of this semester with no mercy, but keep the spirit. It’s a season for giving, so I’m going to give you the top things to do to keep yourself merry and ready for the month you’ve been waiting all year for.
1. Play Christmas music.
The argument heightened when you were playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving, but no need to worry about that anymore. Even Scrooge can’t stop you now. Whether the music be from your headphones when you’re studying hard at the library or in your dorm room while you’re relaxing after a long day, belt out those well known lyrics to "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." Your voice sounds splendid singing Christmas songs.
2. Watch your favorite Christmas movie.
Get a group of friends together on a Friday night and buy a bunch of ice cream, make some killer hot chocolate and snuggle up on the futon to "Elf." Or fly solo and watch it on your laptop before you fall asleep. Whatever you do, don’t let Christmas Eve hit before you tune into to the movie you’ve been wanting to watch all year. You may have a boatload of homework and studying to tackle, but wind down late at night and watch it; you deserve it dude.
3. Decorate your room with Christmas lights.
They don’t need to be those expensive Tumblr inspired lights that cost a fortune. You’re on a budget being a college kid, I get that, but those $3 lights at the dollar store do justice. And they add the feeling to the room. You might just love it so much that you keep the lights up for the rest of the year. You’re welcome.
4. Have a countdown till Christmas.
Doesn’t matter if you write it on a whiteboard, make one, or buy one, a countdown gives you a reason to remember that good things are coming, no matter how hard it may be trying to focus and study.
5. Wrap part of your wall with wrapping paper.
Literally tape a section of your wall with your favorite wrapping paper. It’s a good reminder and it’ll make you happy. And it’s a cool photo shoot background with your friends. Or wrap yourself. Dance on.
6. Rock that Christmas sweater.
Ugly Christmas sweater or a cool designer one, strut it out and celebrate it up. You’ll be doing so well that not even the Grinch can stop you.
7. Call home and talk about your Christmas plans.
Grab the phone and talk it up; your parents will be delighted to hear from you and your friends will be so happy to hear that you thought of them and put them in your holiday plans. It’ll give you another reason to get connected with the ones you love.
8. If it snows, go play in it.
Make a snowman, throw snow in the air, throw it at someone, make a snow angel, or just flat out roll around in it. Either way, get out there and experience it. Have some fun. You weren’t meant to spend all of December pulling your hair out with finals.
9. Decorate your room.
Make snowflakes out of paper, draw reindeer. Whatever you gotta do. Decorate it up. Put it in your room and on your door. It’s the season and you can’t let it slip by without having a little fun for it.
10. Go ice skating.
Chances are you’re like me and can’t stand on your own two feet, but it’ll be a fun laugh. Take your crush, take your friends, take your RA, take your roommates. Whoever you take, make the most of it and skate around until you’ve done way too many circles and your butt has hit the ice too many times. Don’t ever hesitate to make some memories.
11. Make cookies.
Don’t burn the place down, but chef on. Even those pre-made cookies are the real deal and they’re easy to make. If you don’t have a Pillsbury pre-made Christmas shaped cookie before the holiday, shame on you. You’re missing out on greatness.
12. It’s the season to do the gift of giving.
Take time out of your day to do a small act of kindness. Doesn’t have to be a huge deal, just make someone smile today. No one deserves to be upset especially around this time of year. Of course, you should try and do small acts of kindness all the time, but now is the best time to get started. Compliments go far. You never know when someone needs one.
You may be reading this just less than 20 days before the big day, but it’s never too late to get started and be happy. Team Christmas all the way. You got this. May you possess the gift to make this holiday the best one yet all because you got the gifts that everyone truly wants. The gift of happiness and love.
