Finals are over; the fall semester is behind you, for better or for worse. No matter what happened during the semester, winter break is the time for you to take a breath, to live without the pressures of school, and to recuperate in time for the spring semester. Although it is tempting to stay in your bed watching Netflix after the grueling sixteen weeks of the past semester, don't let the opportunities that winter break holds pass you by. Live intentionally and make your break full of all the things you wished you could do during the semester. Spend your time wisely, and it will be a winter break you won't soon forget. All of the moments in our lives are precious; don't let another semester break pass you by without doing the things you love.
1. Christmas Lights Tour
Cliche, but well worth it. Visit Christmas in the Oaks and then drive through New Orleans and visit all of the hotels that are all dolled up for Christmas time.
2. Drive to the Beach
Gulf Shores, Biloxi, Pass Christian, and Gulfport are all about an hour away from here. Take scenic highway 90 and jam out to music with all your friends as you drive along the beach. With gas as cheap as it is right now, this is an absolute must.
3. Go Ice Skating
There's a rink in New Orleans and in Baton Rouge. Do it, especially if you take friends who have never attempted to ice skate before.
4. Have a Documentary Night
Not just for nerds. There are documentaries for every single interest out there, and it is an interesting way to learn about something you want to know more about or something you've never heard before.
5. Or Just Binge-Watch Your Favorite Show
Friends. Breaking bad. Walking Dead. All of them.
6. Go on a Road Trip
You might be amazed where you can go and what you can do for not that much money. St. Louis is only ten hours away and has so many free things to do, it's insane. Dallas and other parts of Texas that always have some great concert or something different to do is only a few hours away. The choices are endless.
7. Ride the Entire Trace
It's about 27 miles of flat, scenic bike-riding trails. Just have someone pick you up on the other side.
8. Pursue the Hobby You're Interested In
Actually learn about the hobby you've been interested in since the beginning of last semester and haven't had the chance to do. Whether it's photography, piano, or drawing, take some time this break to jump right in.
9. Spend Quality Time with Family
Take your siblings to their favorite restaurant and play some board games. Go to coffee with your parents and visit your grandparents. You can never get back this time with your family.
10. Run a 5K
Whether it's for fun or for a charity, this is a great way to get back into your exercise routine (or start one for that matter.)
11. Catch Up with Your Friends
You know you miss your old co-workers or high school friends. Call them up now that you have time and just spend some time hanging out.
12. Read Books You Actually Like
Textbooks make us never want to hold a book in our hands or read ever again. Don't let school ruin reading for you; go to the library, Barnes and Noble, or purchase a book on Kindle and read about something you actually care about.
13. Attend a Random Concert
There are always free concerts around; find a local newspaper or Google free concerts and you're sure to find one. At the very least, it will be an interesting experience.
14. Have a Girl's/Guy's Night
The only rule is talk about anything other than college.
15. Mark Something off Your Bucket List
If you don't have one, make one, then mark something off of it. Now is the time to live the life you actually want to live.
16. Go Hiking
There are good trails in Mississippi or Northern Louisiana if you are willing to drive a few hours. If not, go to the Bogue Chitto or a more local state park.
17. Cook Something from Scratch
The more exotic the better. Invite your friends and make it a cultural night.
18. Volunteer at Your Favorite Charity
As college students, the only thing we have time for during the semester is ourselves and our school. Take some time this winter break to remember that life isn't all about you and help make a difference in others' lives.
19. Do the Polar Bear Challenge
Get your craziest friends together and find a neighborhood pool to jump in. It's horrible, but hilarious.
20. Take a Day to Yourself
As my roommate tells me all the time, "Treat yo'self!" Sometimes you need to take yourself on a date to take breather and process through your life.
21. Go to a Play
The Nutcracker is a good one around Christmas time. Buy tickets to the Saenger, the Columbia Theatre, or just find a local play. It's always a fun and unique experience that not many people do anymore.
22. Enjoy a Picture Day
Grab your best friends and walk around town and find random places to take pictures. It's completely free, always a blast, and you'll get a new profile picture out of the deal.
23. Have a Bonfire
Or just sit by the fireplace and watch movies or read a book.
24. Plan Out Next Semester
Don't do this until winter break comes to a close, but it will be worth thinking about school again if you're able to go into next semester well-prepared, with an intentional plan about how to make next semester the best yet.
25. Get All Those Miscellaneous Tasks Done
Take your car to get the oil changed, get your summer internship or plans figured out, go get your doctor's check up, go spring shopping with your Christmas money, or complete any other random task that you won't want hanging over your head during spring semester.
