Happy Holidays y'all!!!! Christmas is just around the corner, and that means the Christmas spirit is overflowing! However, if you are a college student, there is still a good chance that your brain is still fried from finals. If that is the case for you, here are 15 things you could do right now to get yourself merry, cheery,bright, and joyful!
1. Pajamas!
What is truly better than cozy pajamas? Nothing, that's what! Hop over to your local store and find some inexpensive festive pj's! You can wear them around the house all day or out in public if you so desire!
2. (Ugly) Christmas Sweaters!
Ugly sweaters are a blessing and a curse! They are ridiculous but you can't help but smile or laugh when you are jingling everywhere!
3. Sitting by the Fireside!
There is nothing better than sitting by the fire on a cold night! If you have a fireplace, light it up (up, up, up Fall Out Boy reference anyone? No, just me? Okay back to Christmas). If you do not have a fireplace, here is a link to a virtual one! It is not as good as the real thing but it has the same aesthetic and crackly noises!
4. Bake and Decorate Cookies!
If you are feeling ambitious you can make cookies from scratch. If you are not so ambitious, or really love cookie dough like I do, then buy the pre-made stuff. Then decorate them as you please! Snowflakes, Candy canes, gingerbread men, etc!
5. Get Your Furry Friends Christmas Collars!
In my opinion, pet Christmas collars are the greatest things to grace this earth! Now, your pets may not feel as festive about it as you might but the collars will definitely bring a smile to your face!
6. Watch a Christmas Movie with the Family!
Bring out all the favorite movies, The Santa Clause Series, Christmas Vacation, Elf, Polar Express, just to name a few in case you needed ideas! Grab your family, light the fire, eat some fresh baked cookies, and settle in for a lovely Christmas movie marathon!
7. Start Blaring Christmas Music 24/7!
This is the only month of the year where you can play the same 20 songs on repeat for a month and not get yelled at! If you need some suggestions, both of Pentatonix's Christmas albums are absolutely beautiful! Michael Buble has a good one as well. Don't you dare forget about the Mariah Carey version of "All I Want for Christmas is You." That song will forever be a staple! So crank those classic and modern tunes and turn up the volume!
8. Decorate!
Decorate your room, your living room, the tree, your dorm room's door, decorate literally anything you want! Decorating is a definite way to get you in the holiday spirit! So break out the lights, wreaths, trees, ornaments, and paper chains! You will not regret it!
9. Find Some Christmas Coloring Pages!
Christmas spirit is just a click away! A quick google search and you are set! Grab some colored pencils or markers and you are ready to unleash some Christmas spirit! Coloring pages are a great way to cope with boredom! So if you get bored over break, this is a quick fix!
10. Make Your Own Stocking!
If you have been on the internet for any length of time, you know that Pinterest exists! The site is the DIY kingdom of the internet! Look up some DIY holiday crafts! The easiest one that requires the least amount of effort is making your own stocking! Just head over to your local craft store and pick up a mini stocking and some glitter paint or any other desired craft materials and unleash your artistic side!
11. Make Hot Chocolate/Cider!
Hot drinks are the best during the winter! It will warm you from the inside out when the wind chill cuts you to the core! Fix your favorite hot drink whether that be hot chocolate, cider, coffee, or tea! There is nothing like sitting by the fire while sipping on a hot drink while the Christmas tree glitters.
12. Go to a Christmas Party!
Grab your friends and go to a party! Or if you are like me and only have three friends, throw your own party! You can wear ugly sweaters or holiday pajamas. Do a gift exchange or watch movies surrounded by your favorite people!
13. Volunteer!
Don't forget that the holidays are rough for a lot of people. There are so many without shelter or food. Reach out to a homeless shelter or a food pantry! Spend some time volunteering and helping those that need it!
14. Donate!
On the same note, go through your closet and donate old clothes. Not only are you helping yourself by getting rid of stuff but you are also giving people some clothes they need to get by or even providing presents to people! Coat drives are all around so drop off some old coats and help keep people warm!
15. Don't Forget the True Meaning of Christmas!
If you are religious by any means, don't forget the spiritual meaning behind this holiday. As a college student, it is hard to get into the holiday spirit let alone the religious aspect. Finals are the main cause of that because of all of the stress. I often forget Christmas is coming up because of it. However, I urge you that if your religion holds any significance to this upcoming holiday, please don't forget it! This world can only provide so much material happiness. Make sure to spread peace, love, and joy this holiday season!
With that, I wish you all a very happy holiday! Whatever you celebrate, celebrate with a loving and joyful heart!
