With finals coming to a close at last, it is now time to return those borrowed books, pack up all your clothes and head home for the winter holidays! The smell of freshly baked cookies soon replaces the scent of your roommate’s questionable hygiene patterns, and Christmas carols soon gloss over the midnight screams of frustrated college students. 'Tis the spirit of giving and sharing, but as you spend the next month elbows deep in Cheetos and the new season of "Downton Abbey," keep in mind that the next month of being a merry couch potato often goes much too fast! Here are some ideas to make the most of your winter break:

1. Work, work and more work!

If your semester was anything like mine was, then your checking account is possibly no higher than your GPA. It’s time to work back that money, and possibly start building up that savings account for when you are released into the real world and actually have to exist independent of the "Daddy Piggy Bank."

2. Build up that resume.

The college experience is only part of the degree that you receive at the end of it all, so getting that experience is possibly the best thing you can do for your future self. If you can’t attain an internship this break, branch out! Take some new classes this break. Experiment with what you like and don’t like. Work on the hobbies that you wouldn’t usually have time for when school is in session. Take advantage of the free time by developing and educating yourself because future-you will truly appreciate it.

3. Culture yourself.

Art, music, poetry, history and philosophy are pools of education just waiting for you to immerse yourself in them! Educate yourself about the ways of the world and all its dynamic beauties. An eagerness to learn is not something that can be taught in a classroom, but it is also is not something one can easily forget. (P.S. If you live in or around New York City, museums are free on certain days throughout the week! Check out timeoutfor more information).

4. Spend time with your family.

Friends will always come and go, but family is truly forever, so you might as well get a head start on befriending them! You may be surprised by how well you get along. Don't forget to spend a little TLC time with your parents. It is unlikely that there are people in this world who love you more than they do!

5. Try something new.

It’s time to step out of your comfort zone and explore this world! Try something each day that you are afraid of (as long as it’s legal and safe!) This will allow you to truly test the boundaries of this world while discovering what you do and don't like.

6. Work out.

Develop some healthy eating and workout habits that you can bring back to campus this spring! Small steps are often the key to big changes, so begin with some small modifications in your everyday life that could lead to big results!

7. Build a ridiculous snow man.

Because it's winter! Allow yourself to have enough downtime this break in order to catch up on your moments! Nothing says "productive winter vacation" like an incredible snowman to show up all your other friends!