If you're a college student, you're finally going home after a long semester!! Congrats on making it through half of the school year. If you're out of school, you might finally get some time to spend with your family instead of having to juggle work and the other stresses of the year. Now go home, and enjoy your time off. You deserve it! But wait... What are your plans for break? Well if you're not sure, here are a few ideas to kickstart your break!
1. Make lots of cups of tea
Hot tea is incredibly relaxing for me. I love buying teas from the Republic of Tea, and if you sign up to receive their mail, they send out free samples! I'm loving the gingerbread tea right now--it's a dessert tea that warms your soul instantly.
2. Speaking of gingerbread...
Make a gingerbread house! Whether you choose to make one with your sweetie, your friends, or your family, it'll make your house smell good and put you in the Christmas spirit!
3. Go ice skating
Even if you fall, it's still a fun way to spend time with friends.
4. Bake
Whether you bake cookies, pies, or even homemade Chex Mix (like my family does), take the time during your break to get creative.
5. Don't keep a schedule
Don't stress yourself out. You probably just finished up with classes, projects, or even performing in a musical. If that's the case, don't freak yourself out by trying to stick to a schedule.
6. Clean or rearrange your room
I'm so much less stressed when I have a clean room. I know that each night when I go to my room, it will be spotless and cozy, and I can physically feel myself relaxing more.
7. See a late night movie
Breaks are meant for late nights! So grab some friends or your mom or dad, and go watch a fun new movie.
8. Or...
Stay in and watch a Christmas movie! Bundle up with some fuzzy socks, pile under your blankets, and watch a movie. Don't go out if the weather is bad or if you don't feel like it.
9. Make a point of seeing old friends
Christmas break is when most people go home to their hometowns. If any of your high school friends come home, be sure to take the time to visit with them and ask how school is going.
10. Enjoy family time
Relax and enjoy the company of your family. Take time, and hug them extra close this season. While you're away at college, things change at home. Don't ever take your family for granted.
11. Go outside
It's so easy to wear yourself out by being outside, but who says that's a bad thing? Play in the snow, make snow angels, and then come inside and make hot chocolate! You've got all the time in the world.
12. And after going outside...
Sleep. Getting caught up on sleep is so important during the winter. Days are shorter, it gets darker sooner, and school has finally ended until January. Sleep, and savor these moments because they won't last forever.
13. Decorate
If you haven't already decorated for Christmas, shame on you. You need to read one of my previous articles. Anyway, go ahead and decorate that bare tree that's been sitting in your living room. Put up some lights, hang some stockings, and watch some Christmas movies.
14. Do something different
Do something different from your usual routine. Go out of your way to take a neighbor some homemade cookies. In the drive-thru at Starbucks, pay for the drink of the person in line behind you. Write a winter-themed poem. Run on your cobweb-strewn treadmill. Do something out of the ordinary.
15. Take a little trip
Do a little road trip with some friends, or indulge in a family vacation! You can go skiing, or you can sit on the beach. Either way, this is sure to mix up your typical routine!
16. Relax
Get some rest. Break is only so long (not long enough), so take your time. Enjoy every moment, and don't forget to spread some Christmas cheer!
Enjoy your break, and be sure to take advantage of all your free time! Merry Christmas!
