December is always one of the busiest months of the year. With trying to plan for the holidays, trying to get through finals or midterms depending on what schools you're in, while also dealing with your anxious parents and a slowly dwindling bank account. We push everything about the holiday season because we are so wrapped up in worrying about what's to come. We stress ourselves out to no end making sure we've gotten every paper in, every project completed, every online homework finished and every extra credit known.

We worry and stress so much that we don’t enjoy anything that the holidays have to offer. Every year, I make a list of things I want to do in December to get me in the mood for Christmas. It’s tiring to try to get everything done, but it’s also really fun and always takes my mind off the stress of school. This year, I plan on trying to have fun before my final semester as a college student. Here are seven ideas on what to do to keep that holiday spirit alive!

1. Have a holiday party with friends.

Whether you do something with a bunch of people, only your closest friends, or just your best friend, you should celebrate the holidays in some ways with your BFFs. Have dinner together the day before Christmas Eve, do a Secret Santa, or keep it as just a girl's night.

2. Do something festive with someone younger.

If you ever feel like you're lacking holiday spirit, do something festive with a little kid in your life. Kids LOVE the holidays, and their excitement can be infectious. Take your little sibling or cousin or whatever out for the day--go to a holiday play, watch holiday movies, take them to go visit Santa, make a gingerbread house! It will make both of you happy, and it will be a really cute experience.

3. Give yourself time for you.

The holidays can be super stressful, and at some point you'll probably feel very overwhelmed from school, buying gifts and making sure you don't destroy the bank account. Make sure to set aside some time for yourself so that you can calm down and relax.

4.Give back.

There are a lot of volunteering opportunities, and there is so much you can do to make another person happier for the holidays. You can set aside some money to buy toys for kids from poor families, you can gather up all of your old clothes and coats and donate them to a family in need, or you can find a local charity to figure out some things you can do around your time.

5. Make shopping fun.

People love shopping, except when it comes to busy holiday shopping. If you're not into it, make the experience more fun. Get a few friends together and make a whole day out of it: shop, get lunch/dinner, take your time and do something afterwards. Go with a family member and then go out to dinner after. Plan on going at a less busy time with a friend, like nighttime or during the day on a weekday if you can.

6. Bake something yummy.

Get some oven mitts and start making tons of holiday cookies, cupcakes, muffins, or whatever it is your heart desires. Try and pair those yummy treats with hot chocolate!

7. Secret Santa.

Secret Santa is fun, and they're also a good way to save money if you have a group of friends to get presents for. Instead of buying something for everyone, you can buy something for one person! Do a Secret Santa with a group of friends or family members.