This week my friends and I celebrate one last hurrah, before one of us heads back to college in Iowa!
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It is no secret that many American traditions have changed over time. As we grow older we change in so many ways that it only makes sense that we also change the way we celebrate special occasions. Of course when it comes to the holidays there are some family traditions that many of us still excitedly look forward to, whether it is eating your favorite dish or seeing favorite cousin. However, we all know that the holidays have overall changed a little from what they used to be.
1. Has anyone actually gone caroling?
While it may always be shown in holiday movies caroling has actually been on the sharp decline for some time now. According to the Pew Research Center the percentage of people who went caroling as a child dropped by almost half when asked if they were going to continue the tradition. Considering most people don't enjoy singing for strangers, including myself, this change in tradition is one I can understand.
2. Christmas cards.
Christmas and New Year gift card
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Besides your dentist or doctor people don't really send christmas cards to extended family and friends anymore. Surprisingly this used to be one of the more popular holiday traditions celebrated in America. Pewforum.org reported an almost 20% decrease in people who sent cards and people who plan to send cards. I personally would love to see this tradition saved considering sending the basic Merry Christmas or Happy Thanksgiving text to friends isn't always sufficient enough.
3. Putting up the Christmas Tree.
When I was a kid putting up the christmas tree was a very big deal. It was always huge and extravagant with ornaments of all kinds. This is still a reality for a lot of people but it has become a little less common. Whether it is small and skinny or full and decorated putting up a Christmas tree is still one of the most celebrated traditions.
4. Gifting baked goods.
butter cookies on plate
Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash
Giving and receiving baked goods for special events is still very mainstream in America but the idea of doing it specifically for the holidays has become less and less popular. If we could try and keep this tradition going I would greatly appreciate it. Baked goods will always be considered a great gift to me.
5. Attending religious services.
boy holding Holy Bible
Photo by David Beale on Unsplash
Christmas is already beginning to see Christmas a cultural practice rather than a religious one. This may be the reason that less people plan to attend religious services during the holidays compared to when their were kids. It could also be because your parents at there to wake you up.
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Lifestyle
25 Things To Do In The 25 Days Leading Up To Christmas
The best holiday deserves an entire month of celebrating.
12h
3441
Wesley Tingey
Christmas is arguably one of the most popular holidays of the year. Whether you think Christmas celebrations should be strictly reserved for December, or you're setting up your tree and lights on November 1st, Christmas time is the best time. Filling an entire month with Christmas activities seems like it could be impossible, but I am here to fix that for you. Here are twenty-five of the best things to do in the twenty-five days leading up to Christmas.
1. Build a snowman.
Regardless of how cold it is, building a snowman is one of the best ways to get yourself into the holiday mood.
2. Bake Christmas cookies and treats.
Baking Christmas cookies and other holiday treats can really bring a family together. Sometimes these are some of the best memories of the holiday season.
3. Go ice skating.
If you can find a skating rink where you live, I would definitely suggest giving it a try. Ice skating is always a fun time and also a great date idea.
4. Put up and decorate a Christmas tree.
Seeing a Christmas tree all decorated and lit up in the living room when you get home is a beautiful sight.
5. Have a snowball fight.
Snowball fights are great because they're a fun time but they also let you get out your pent-up anger in a safe way. Great idea, right?
6. Drink hot cocoa by the fire
Listening to the fire crackle while sipping hot chocolate? There are few things that are better than that.
7. Buy Christmas presents for a loved one
I personally think giving a Christmas present to a loved one that I know they'll love is better than any gift I could get, but maybe that's just me.
8. Sing Christmas carols.
I love listening to Christmas Carolers and I personally wish there were more people who enjoyed doing this.
9. Throw an ugly Christmas sweater party.
Everyone loves ugly Christmas sweaters, right?
10. Make a snow angel.
It may be cold, but making memories it definitely worth it.
11. Dance to Christmas music in the kitchen.
Dancing and running around your house like a maniac while singing as loud as you can is an extremely cathartic activity and I would definitely recommend.
12. Participate in a Secret Santa gift exchange.
Secret Santa gift exchanges are almost always fun because there's an extra surprise when you don't know who the gift is from.
13. Build a gingerbread house.
A house? Made of gingerbread? I'm here for it.
14. Drive and look at Christmas lights.
Okay, maybe not these lights from "Stranger Things," because I really hope you don't have to deal with a demagorgon this holiday season, but find a cute street full of lights and go for a drive.
15. Visit Santa at the mall.
This doesn't even need explaining. Please go visit Santa.
16. Watch a classic holiday movie like "How the Grinch Stole Christmas or "The Polar Express".
This is by far one of my favorite things to do over the holiday season.
17. Put up Christmas lights to get in the holiday spirit.
I'm telling you, Christmas lights are one of the absolute best ways to get in the holiday mood.
18. Spend a snow day cuddled up under the blankets
This is a day well spent, watching Netflix, drinking hot cocoa and eggnog, the perfect day.
19. Drink all the eggnog you can.
Regardless of what people who don't like eggnog say, eggnog is pretty dope.
20. Go to a Christmas concert.
Christmas music is the best and even better seeing it live.
21. Throw a present wrapping party.
Present wrapping sucks when you're alone, so invite some friends over and wrap all of your presents together!
22. Treat yourself to your favorite holiday drink.
I'm partial to Starbucks, but hit up your favorite coffee shop and grab your favorite
23. Go skiing or snowboarding.
I'm terrible at snowboarding, but it is an awesome way to appreciate the outdoors in the cold season.
24. Create a DIY Christmas gift.
Make a gift with love and give it to someone special to you!
25. Enjoy the company of your loved ones.
Above all, the holiday season is the perfect time to spend some quality time with your friends and family.
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Health and Wellness
5 Practical Ways To Be Kinder To Yourself, Because You Deserve The Same Love You Give To Others
I've realized that being nice to myself is actually really important.
01 December
133770
Photo by Freddy Mishiki on Unsplash
I'll never forget the day that someone told me these words: "Madison, I think you're a good friend to everyone but yourself." I stood there completely in awe of that statement. Before that day, I never really thought about being a friend to myself, and at the time, I didn't really know what it meant. Now, I realize that you can't fully be there for other people unless you're there for yourself, too. You can't show up for others until you're willing to show up for yourself.
Here are five things everyone should learn in order to be a better friend to themselves. These steps are hard, but they're so worth it.
1. Learn to say no, and actually mean it
This is one of the hardest things for me to do. I'm an enneagram 2, for goodness sake — I love to help and I'm happiest when I'm busy. I've realized that I over-commit and burn myself out, simply because I'm afraid of letting other people down. I often worry that if I don't do something, they won't like me.
By no means am I advocating for everyone to walk around and say "no" to everything, but I want to encourage you to be intentional about what you put your time and energy into each day. Pick a few things that you genuinely want to do and commit to them.
I struggle with saying no, but I've come up with two questions to ask myself when an opportunity arises: Do I genuinely want to do this? If not, is there a chance that I might be taking an opportunity away from someone else who does — someone who will do the job just as well, or even better than me?
2. Realize that doing your best does not mean sacrificing your health
Too often, we're judged so much on our performance and output that our health often becomes secondary. I hope you know that doing your best and striving for excellence does not mean rejecting your basic needs and overall wellbeing. Doing your best does not mean perfection, and trust me, this is something that I'm very much working on myself.
Just as it's important to set clear expectations in our outside relationships, we have to do the same with ourselves. This might look like allowing yourself to take a nap, even though you have five hours of work left. It might look like showering and getting dressed, even if you don't feel like it. It might mean putting the textbooks away for the night and watching an episode of your favorite Netflix show instead.
Something that's helpful in this endeavor is having friends that actively encourage and hold you accountable to your physical and mental health as well. You can also do this on your own by setting a timer or a schedule. In high school, I had a rule that if I wasn't finished with my work for the day by nine, I would go to bed. Now, I give myself thirty minutes each day to do something that I enjoy that's free of work, whether that be listening to music or going for a walk. It's the little things that end up being the big things — take them seriously.
3. Enjoy your own company
As an extrovert, I'm someone who adores being around people. I've started realizing that part of being a good friend to myself is setting time to be alone. Being alone used to terrify me — sometimes, it still does. Yet, I've found that setting time each day to do something independently is valuable.
Whether that be writing poetry, browsing Pinterest for inspirational quotes (yes, I'm definitely that girl), or making a quick run to Target, I'm working to incorporate some alone-time into my daily routine. For you, this might look like going for a run or taking yourself out to get your favorite Starbucks drink. For others, this might mean cooking your favorite dinner and binge-watching your favorite show for hours.
If you don't want to schedule out time each day to do something for yourself, you can also pick a certain day each week to treat yourself and enjoy your own company. As strange as it sounds, taking time for yourself is the foundation of your relationships with others. It's not selfish, and quite honestly, it's one of the most selfless things that you can do. I've found that having a clear view of myself has given me greater clarity in my relationships with others. Most importantly, I'm aware of what I bring to the table and no longer tolerate those who don't.
4. Realize that not everyone deserves a front-row seat to your life (and you don't need a front-row seat to theirs)
Embracing this truth might mean something different for all of us. For some, it might mean unfollowing accounts on social media that continually make you feel unworthy. It might mean limiting your time on social media. For others, it might mean distancing yourself from others who don't make you the best version of yourself. By all means, be kind and respect them, but realize that you don't need to be everyone's best friend.
You don't have to like everyone, and they don't have to like you. You owe it to yourself to surround with those who are dedicated to your well-being and give you energy instead of taking it from you. As difficult as it is, you can love people and want the best for them but not allow them back into your life. Wish them well, and realize that gaining them isn't worth losing yourself. You owe it to yourself to unfollow your ex or remove yourself from toxic friendships.
The same is true for others. Respect the boundaries that they might put in place, and realize that you don't need to know every detail of their lives, either. Seek out people who continually build you up. These are the people who do deserve a front-row seat to your life. Seek relationships that speak life into your bones and give you a sense of purpose, but realize that these relationships don't define who you are.
5. Give yourself grace
Your relationship with yourself takes work, just like your relationships with other people. It's OK if there are moments where you slip up and think that you've failed. Those moments will come, and it's these moments that push you to grow as a person. It's these moments that will ultimately define your character and shape who you hope to be. You are worthy of the love that you so freely give to others — use that truth to advocate for yourself. Live fiercely and do big things, but remember that even if you didn't do these things, you would still be just as wonderful. You don't have to be perfect. I promise, and I'm still learning, too.
You are worthy of every good thing that comes your way. Don't ever forget it.
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Lifestyle
5 Things You Can Do To Get Into The Christmas Spirit
Merry (early) Christmas!
01 December
1678
YouTube
Finals, exams and papers - oh my! The only thing keeping you sane at the moment is the thought that Christmas break is near. Need a mid-week pick-me-up? Here are some simple things you can do to stay motivated and get into the Christmas spirit.
1. Play Christmas Music
Walking to class? Studying in the library? Driving to work? No matter what boring task you are doing, listening to Christmas music will boost your mood instantly. Pick your favorite Christmas movie and download the album ASAP. Almost every artist has a Christmas album too, so the options are endless.
2. Start Buying Gifts Early
Just can't wait to start buying gifts? Start early! You will thank yourself later when you are not rushing to be done a few days before Christmas. Plus, you will get everything on your list. As Christmas nears, the mall becomes more and more picked over. Shopping early gives you the first picks before others start shopping.
3. Decorate
Time to put up the tree! There's no right time to put up your Christmas tree; any time is the right time. Getting set up early not only puts you in the Christmas spirit, but it allows you to slowly start putting up your decorations vs devoting an entire day to it. Start pulling the ornaments down from the attic and put the Christmas pillows on the couch - the time has come.
4. Eat/Drink Seasonal Treats
If the peppermint and eggnog coffee creamers are in-store, you know it's time. Eating or drinking seasonal items can put you in the Christmas spirit instantly. Gingerbread, eggnog, peppermint, white chocolate - the options are endless. Or, make a treat that your family only has over the holidays. This will be sure to brighten your week.
5. Dress For The Holiday
Dressing for the Christmas season will make you feel ready in an instant. Still too hot out for your favorite sweater? No worries! Sleep in it at night or bring it to wear in the chilly library. If there's a will, there's a way.
No matter your holiday traditions, keep pushing through and make it to Christmas. Merry (early) Christmas!
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Lifestyle
21 Things We All Love About Winter
Despite the cold, you might find that there is a lot to love about winter.
01 December
884
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
We all have a love hate relationship with winter, lets be real here. The snow makes people forget how to drive, its cold, the roads are bad, and chances are, you will be spending a lot more money than you do during the other months of the year. If you’re from the Midwest, it seems to be that winter lasts for what feels like forever. But despite the struggles that winter brings, there are so many things to love about it.
1. Snow- at least its pretty outside
Despite how much we all hate driving in the winter, the snow looks beautiful on the trees.
2. Christmas Cookie Making
I think we all gain about 10 pounds when it comes to Christmas cookies.
3. Holiday Drinks
Who doesn't love peppermint hot chocolate and the other 10 things that take over the Starbucks menu?
4. Christmas movies
Can we please just stay in and watch Christmas movies while drinking hot chocolate?
5. Holidays
Christmas, New Year’s, Hanukkah, etc. Holidays are a major part of winter; they bring people together.
6. Spending time with the family and friends
Every college kid is ready to be home for winter break.
7. SNOW DAYS
Snow days in college are 10x better than they were in high school.
8. Winter break
A break from school is much needed.
9. holiday cards
Who doesn’t love walking into the house and seeing the Christmas cards that cover the fridge?
10. parties
Holiday parties, work parties, New Year’s parties. It just ends up being party after party. Make sure to have a sober cab and drive safely.
11. shopping for gifts
The smile you see on someone’s face when they open a gift is something you treasure. No matter how small, it’s the thought that counts.
12. Holiday songs
We all jam to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Don’t lie to yourself.
13. Holiday decorations
Everything is decorated in red, green, silver, and gold. Christmas trees, the lights outside, the nativity setting that sits in the window. Whatever it be, holiday decorations are gorgeous.
14. making snowmen and having snowball fights
We all want to make our own Olaf.
15. Skating outside
Pond hockey. Enough said.
16. Skiing and Snowboarding
Ahh... the itch to hit the slopes is back.
17. wearing cozy things
Fuzzy socks, sweaters, and beanies all take over my wardrobe in the winter.
18. Cheesy winter dates
Walking through Bentleyville, looking at all of the Christmas lights. Snuggling by the fire, drinking hot chocolate and watching Christmas movies.
19. snuggling by the fire
I mean bonfires in the summer are great, but being inside and looking at the fire can be just as great. Plus, this just adds a little romantic flare.
20. Kisses under the mistletoe.
I mean, it doesn't get any cuter than that.
21. spreading holiday cheer
Everyone is more willing to give in the winter. We help shovel our neighbor’s driveways, we bake Christmas cookies for our friends, we give to charity. Everyone wants to spread holiday cheer.
Happy holidays y’all.
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