With Thanksgiving over, it is now the (socially appropriate) time to listen to Christmas music 24/7. It is also the time to lock yourself in the library and try to cram a semester's worth of information into your head in two days. For college students, the magic of Christmas season is sometimes lost in the stress of finals and general end of semester blues. Here are some suggestions on how to keep the Christmas spirit alive during the final weeks of the semester:
1. Make a playlist (or several) of all your favorite classic and current Christmas songs.
While you're studying, take a break from the John Mayer and Ed Sheeran in favor of your favorite Christmas music. Create a few Pandora channels or Spotify playlists with festive music for studying, exercising, going out and hanging out in your room. It will help with the holiday homesickness to make your daily schedule a little more festive.
2. Take time to watch a Christmas movie or TV special with your friends.
ABC Family screens your favorite Christmas movies and TV specials during the entire month of December. Plan with your friends to take a study break to curl up and watch your favorites in lieu of the show you're watching on Netflix. It is a good way to unwind and de-stress after a long day of studying.
3. Decorate your dorm room.
This may seem like an obvious one, but it still deserves to be mentioned. I have a small Christmas tree that I decorate with so I don't feel like I'm missing out on the one in my home. If you don't want to spend the money on one, try buying some bows and tinsel to hang. Window clings will also make your room feel a little more festive.
4. Set up a secret santa with your friends.
Buying presents for all your friends can get expensive quickly and we're all poor college students. Instead, agree on a budget and pick names out of a hat. Then plan for a night where you exchange presents and hang out. It's a cheaper way to celebrate the holidays with your little family on campus.
5. See what events your campus is hosting, then get involved.
Even if it is something small like drinking hot chocolate and writing out Christmas cards, it will give you a necessary break and a chance to unwind. My campus hosts its own Christmas tree lighting (pictured above) , Day of Giving and Midnight Breakfast. All three activities help students keep in touch with the holiday spirit and make campus a little more festive overall.
6. Treat yourself with some of your favorite festive snacks.
Let your last two weeks on campus be cheat weeks and indulge in some snacks that remind you of home. Swap out your usual coffee order with a festive flavor. Bake (or buy) your favorite cookies to enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate or eggnog. Keep your favorite festive candy around for a late night snack in the library. It will remind you of home. Plus, all that sugar will definitely keep you awake.
Hope that helps with the homesickness this holiday season. Merry Christmas and good luck studying!
