We can feel it approaching, even if it's at the slowest rate possible. Winter Break is upon us and I can see the light through the pile of books I have surrounded myself in due to finals. Between the tears, long nights, regretful decisions we made to not take good enough notes, and prayers we make to the grade gods (a.k.a the Mackay Statue); we can hear the sweet sounds of a break slowing creeping upon us. We just have to live through these next weeks.
But what should you do once break arrives? Here's a list for the day when you do find yourself bored *gasp* during winter break.
1. Catch up on that sleep that you deprived yourself of during finals and enjoy sleeping in YOUR bed.
As much as I would like to think I get enough sleep, I don't. Take this long (or short if your school is on the quarter system) break to catch up on all that sleep you might have been depriving yourself of. Get back to a healthy schedule so when we have to go back to school, you will be rejuvenated and ready to mess up the schedule and deprive yourself once more.
2. Spend time with your family.
This one is a big one. Spend time with your family. Seriously. We all know that we miss them a ton when we're away at school, so enjoy them while you have the time. They are after all, the ones who constantly support us no matter how dumb we sound when we freak out about things that truly don't matter. They are the ones who have, and always will be, there for us. So maybe don't spend every waking minute gone and out of the house this holiday season.
3. Spend time with friends.
If you're like me, a lot of your friends go to different schools and this is prime time to see them over the break. Seize the chance to see them and spend some time with them. Exchange college stories. Laugh. Be friends again.
4. Have a Holiday Party.
If you're bored or slightly busy, this one is for you. Plan a holiday party! That way you can get all your loved one (friends or family) in one place at a specific time. This way you can see everyone you love, no matter how hectic your life may be. Make it a potluck, that way you don't have to make a ton of food.
5. Get some exercise.
Let' be honest, you probably did not use that gym membership you bought. If you did, I'm so proud of you. If not, I still am. Now that things have slowed down a bit, you can really start to focus on the bigger picture: your health. Did you gain some of the freshman 15? Now is your time to get back into the habit of going to the gym on a regular basis since you have all the time in the world. Fun fact: YMCA membership for a month is only about $30 if you're a student. That's pretty cheap considering you want that $69 jacket from Victoria's Secret for the holidays. So go out and get back on track!
6. Go shopping (for others or yourself).
One word: Sale. Everything is on sale right now for the holidays. So whether you want that Naked 3 Pallet or some new Uggs, go out and get them. That time is now, considering it's probably half off somewhere. And with that extra money? Search for deals with the presents you are getting for your family! Get their stuff on sale too, that way you can buy them a little extra something.
7. Go to Holiday Festivals.
This is one of my favorites! A theme park near you is bound to have a holiday festival filled with tree lightings, yummy food, and overpriced hot chocolate. Take the time to buy a $30 or more ticket and enjoy the festivities at Great America, Disneyland, Six Flags, and more!
8. Go ice skating.
Please wear long socks for this one, blisters are no fun. But ice skating sure is! Who doesn't love sliding around on ice and possibly falling on your butt? It sure is a thrill while you're holding onto the wall for the first hour and admire those who can go to the middle or do tricks. By tricks, I mean hold hands and not fall. Ice skating is relatively cheap and can be done for hours. There's nothing like that feeling after you take off your skates and put your regular shoes back on.
9. Go see a tree lighting.
Many towns do this and it's quite a cute tradition. The whole town will gather around these trees or city sidewalk with trees and when the clock strikes and the countdown ends the darkness you were surrounded by completely disappears through the lights. It's quite magical.
10. Cook some seasonal meals.
See, cooking and I don't normally go together. But since I am coming up on my 20th year soon, I probably should learn some more. Now is the perfect time! So much time, in fact. Learn how to make that delicious holiday dish that way you can come back to the dorms and make it for you and your roommates. And maybe learn some more too in order to
11. Go to a holiday concert.
I mean, why not? Music is great and when was the last time you went to a concert? Too long ago. So take the chance to go to the Jingle Ball, Snow Globe, or Not So Silent Night. Spend some extra money and go have a good time with some friends as you listen to good music and forget you even had finals a week ago.
12. Go to the snow...or go to the beach.
Living on the west coast, we have a luxury. We can get the best of both worlds, snow and the beach within a few hour radius. Why not go head up to the snow one day and make some snow people and enjoy the "real winter". Or go the beach and enjoy the waves crashing against the sand and be thankful that we don't get that much snow. Either way, take a road trip.
