College is a complicated time in the lives of many young adults. We're trying to build our portfolios and make it through to the last semester of our senior year without having a complete breakdown. From when we were just teenagers before college even happened, Christmas was the best time of the year. We had Christmas break and some time to hang out with our families. We had a break from our daily lives and it was all Christmas cookies and gingerbread men.
Christmas in college? Somewhat the same, but also one of the craziest times of the year.
The weeks leading up to winter break signify the end of the semester. That means final projects, the last dose of assignments and, above all, finals. On top of all this, we're usually pretty broke by this point in the semester because we've run out of the money we made during the summer and are about to go back home for a month and work. Christmas time is, arguably, the most stressful time of the year because of all this. However, we also look forward to spending time at home with our families and friends. So, family, if we don't know what we want for Christmas when you ask between studying, please don't be mad. On behalf of college students everywhere, just follow this list:
1. Grocery Store Gift Cards
This is the number one idea for a college Christmas gift for a reason. We took our families for granted when there was always food in the house, but now that we're essentially living on our own, we don't know where to start, and we only buy the cheapest food. Groceries get expensive and we're not used to shopping for ourselves. These gift cards might prevent us from buying unhealthy food like Ramen, even though it's oh so good.
2. New winter boots
There's a lot of walking involved across campus, through snow and wind and sometimes a negative thirty degree windchill. A good pair of winter boots is always appreciated when we're walking as much as we are.
3. Something to make our room more like home
Whether it's a picture of the dog or a candle that is similar to one that we have at home, something that leaves us less homesick is always a nice gesture. Obviously we miss home, even while we're building our new lives away at college. Especially in the winter months when we get sick and just want that homemade soup, something that reminds us that we will always have a place at home is extremely comforting.
4. A book of family recipes
This was one of the best gifts I've ever received from my mom and I suggest that you make one for your college student, too, especially if they like to cook and have their own place to cook. This goes back to the homesick thing. Plus, we get to learn how to make the meals that we loved growing up and actually be able to eat something other than mac and cheese.
5. Local restaurant gift cards
Sometimes it's nice to get off campus to have a change in scenery, but sometimes we can't afford to go out to eat. A night out to eat with some friends is a rare occurrence and we always love free food.
6. A big, soft blanket
Blankets are like warm hugs and the more comfortable we are in our home away from home, the better off we'll be. Some residence buildings and off campus houses can be a bit drafty and we know that you wouldn't want our toes to get cold.
7. A shiny new planner for the upcoming new year
Although most planners go from one year to the next, having a planner that starts in the new year will keep us focused all year. The more organized we are, the better we will do in school and it will save you from stressing about our grades even more than we do.
8. Socks (knee high, crew cut, low rise, you name it!)
This may sound like an odd suggestion, but it's actually pretty accurate. Yes, socks are practical, but even more so they are an essential as a gift sometimes because of how many pairs of socks we lose in the laundry.
9. CDs to jam out to in the car
CDs are often overlooked because the advances in technology and the existence of the AUX cord. Some of us with older cars don't have an AUX cord and having CDs that we used to listen to or some from bands that we will love eternally would probably be one of the best gifts, especially for the long drives from home to school.
10. Stocking stuffers
Bath bombs, Toothbrushes, razors, lotions, chocolate, gift cards, makeup, anything really. We always appreciate things that aren't only thoughtful, but practical as well.
To those who have college students in the family, do not fret. We are simply trying to finish out the semester strong and get everything in on time. Plus, we're thinking about what to get you, too. At the end of the day, we love and appreciate your constant love and support of us being away getting an education. We're just happy to have a home cooked meal while we're on break and happy to spend time with you, too. Thank you for thinking of us.
