Ah, finally, winter break is upon us! Bring on the tree decorating, Christmas cookies, and Mariah Carey on repeat. This is what every college student envisions on their return home from fifteen weeks of nonstop studying, malnutrition, partying, heartbreak, etc. etc. but in reality, every college student returns with a cold and ends up sleeping for eternity on the couch to every parent's dismay. In lieu of this, I have created a list of ten things to do instead of sleeping on the couch for three weeks. Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals!

1. See the holiday lights

There's nothing better to get you into the holiday spirit than driving around at night playing Christmas music and looking at all the neighbors' decorations. It may sound cliché, but it's a worthwhile holiday activity, and again, it gets you out of the house.

2. Go ice skating

There's no better winter activity than ice skating! Bonus points if you make it out to New York City and skate in Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park.

3. Go skiing/snowboarding

I lied; there's another equal winter activity to ice skating, and it is skiing and/or snowboarding. There's nothing like some fresh snow and the slopes to cheer you up over winter break.

4. Go shopping

The best part about the holidays (besides family, of course) are the sales! Take all your Christmas money and gifts that didn't quite resonate with you (thanks, but no thanks for the ugly Christmas sweater, Grandma) and head to the mall the day after Christmas to do returns and find what you actually want for 50% off. Dreams really do come true.

5. Get a haircut

Nothing says ready for the Christmas party where you'll see your whole family than fresh cut, color, and blowout (we know you haven't washed your hair in a week). Another bonus: next semester everyone will rave about your new look, too.

6. Get a job

My parents in particular really like this point. I have a job, but I decided to take a break over break and now I'm broke. If you would prefer to start next semester with enough money to buy a drink at the bar the first week back, I suggest getting a seasonal retail job and start saving! Or you could do your brother's homework for twenty bucks here and there. Up to you; whatever pays the bills, am I right?

7. Go sledding

Hopefully, it snows over winter break and you can bust out the old sleds and head to the nearest hill and show these eight-year-olds what's up. Then, after an hour of exerting yourself, you can have some hot cocoa and watch "Elf" for the thousandth time (it really never gets old).

8. Bake!

You don't have to leave your house for this one! You can make Mom brownies and surprise her after work or attempt a gingerbread house with friends. Either way, baking is surprisingly fun and satisfying when your treat is actually edible.

9. See your friends

That's right, you're home, she's home, and he's home! Get everyone together and go to breakfast at the local diner or drag your friends along on the quest to get Mom something she doesn't already own three versions of.

10. Try a new restaurant

Instead of sleeping through dinner, wake up and rally to try a new restaurant that opened up while you were away. Take your friends, brother or dog if you have to. There's no better reason to shower and get dressed up than going out to eat.