Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone, and that means it's officially the holiday season! We often get so swept up in the holidays (and everything we have to do to prepare for them) that there are a couple key things we forget to do; these are the important ones. So this holiday season, be sure to make time to add these 8 things to your To-Do List.
1. Eat. Eat ALL the food.
This should be an obvious one. Especially as students, we very rarely get delicious, home-cooked meals. So be sure to enjoy every single bite; and hey, maybe overeat a little. That's one of the best parts of the holidays, right?
2. Help Cook
If eating the food is great, the next best thing is helping cook it. Maybe you've never cooked a day in your life; that's fine! Spend some time in the kitchen with friends or family members cooking baked goods, desserts, or that one dinner dish you just can't get enough of. You'll make memories that will last a lifetime and you'll get to hear everyone compliment the chef (that's you)!
3. Treat yo’self
It's easy to get so caught up in everything you have to get (or make) for others, that you forget that you deserve something too. Everything is on sale during the holidays--so buy that adorable dress you've been eyeing (because now it's 30% off!) or go get your nails done. It's been a long year and it still isn't over; reward yourself for surviving this long. Even a little gift from you to you can lift your spirits.
4. Put down your phone
We're all addicted to our phones. Maybe you're waiting on an important email, or you're trying to finalize last-minute plans; but our technology can do more harm than good--especially during the holidays. Remember to live in the moment this season, because you never know what memories could be made right in front of you.
5. Take a breather
Relax. We are so busy during the year with school and extracurricular activities that we forget that we need to breathe once in awhile. I'm sure we might have homework over breaks--we're students, it's what happens--but remember to take a minute and relax. You can give and give and give, but if you don't remember to focus on you every so often, you'll run out of things to give.
6. Reflect, just a little
The holidays are definitely a busy season, but they're also a prime chance to reflect on everything good in our lives. Take a minute to reflect on positive things happening: grades, time with friends, spending time with your family. Be sure not to take anything for granted.
7. Spend time with your family and friends (and enjoy it!)
Make memories. Create stories to tell your children and grandchildren. Like I said earlier, don't take things for granted, including your family and your friends. Make it a point to spend time with you people you wish you saw more of.
8. Smile and mean it
Enjoy the time you have. Laugh, smile; give yourself a chance to be genuinely happy. In a society where we are constantly going, take a minute to smile and to really feel the joy that comes with that smile.
