Winter break has begun and it's passing very quickly. Chances are, you’ve been sitting on your bum this whole break and the only thing you’ve motivated yourself to do is eat a lot of chocolate and a giant Christmas dinner.
Just remember, winter break only lasts so long. Before you know it, you’ll be dreading going to your next class wondering when school will ever end. For now, here are some things, both big and small, that can make your winter break a little more memorable.
Go on a vacation by yourself. Find the inner you that wants to adventure instead of sit on the couch watching Netflix. Whether it’s for a day or a week, when you get back, you can eat some more chocolate. In reality, once you leave, you won’t want to come back, so go. Find some snow, go to a beach, take a road trip to a city you’ve always wanted to visit. Get out there, meet strangers, and come home with amazing memories. You’ll learn something about yourself along the way.
Spend time with your family. If you're going to watch Netflix, at least watch it with family. They’ve missed you while you were away at college, you know. They love you, and while their questions about school, your career, and your love life literally never end, one day they won’t be there to bug you any more. So sit by a fire and tell them all about how you failed one class, but you can retake it next semester because you don’t know what you’re doing with your career anyway. Or tell them you got straight A’s and let them brag about you to the rest of the family. Tell them you’re doing your best and you’re having fun along the way. Tell them about your life. They ask because they care.
Tell someone you love them. Mom, dad, grandma, brother, sister, cousin, aunt, whoever it may be; someone needs to hear it. You can never say "I love you," enough times. It never gets old or out of style. It will always warm their heart. On top of that, tell yourself that you love you. And mean it. Look in the mirror and love what you see. It’s all yours. Know that being a genuinely caring person starts with you, not with those around you.
And finally, before you head back to college, hug your mom. She means the world to you and you to her, so hug her. Tell her Thank you, I love you, and I’ll miss you. Then go back and live your college life, but don’t forget to text her every once in a while. Let her know how much she means to you. Send her a card and call her on her birthday.
All of the Netflix that you watch at home can also be watched when you're away at college. Take some time to adventure this winter break. Meet new people, don't forget the old ones. Make sure those you love know that you love them, including yourself.
