The Holidays are here! This is often the busiest time of year, with our schedules bursting and our wallets depleting (I’ve been there). But with it being so busy, it is important to prioritize your favorite Christmas traditions to make sure you get to do them.

It is so easy to get caught up in the happy happenings, that you lose sight and end up forgetting what you really love about the most wonderful time of the year. What makes Christmas, Christmas for you? I’ve put together a list of five things that should be on your to-do list this Christmas!

1. Decorate for Christmas

There aren’t a lot of holidays throughout the year that allow for as many decorations as Christmas, so why not go all out this one time in the year? Make an event of it by going to chop down your Christmas tree, and follow it up by decorating it together as a family.

String some lights on your trees out front, hang garland, and light your favorite scented candle. It may be hard work to put them out, but I promise having your Christmas décor up will make you feel more spirited.

2. Drive Around and Look at Christmas Lights

Nothing screams Christmas more than driving around your town and admiring all the different lights people set up. See if your town has a Christmas display that you can go to! Have your mug of hot cocoa in hand, your Christmas carols on, and some close friends ready to go to make this night one to remember.

3. Watch Your Favorite Holiday Movie

Sure, some people watch Christmas movies and listen to Christmas music all year long (like me…feel free to judge), but make time to watch at least one of your favorite festive movies. There are countless on TV round the clock – from the 25 Days of Christmas to Hallmark. Netflix even has a few good ones! (Christmas with the Kranks, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and classics like White Christmas…if these aren’t your type, there is A Christmas Horror Story… but you won’t find me watching that!)

4. Bake Cookies

Whether they’re from a box, or from a recipe found on Pinterest, cookies are always the answer to anything Holiday related. Have any extras? These make a great hostess gifts and little gifts for your neighbors. This is a fun activity that you can do with friends, or do with your family, that will leave your homes smelling good, your stomachs feeling full and yourselves feeling happy.

5. Give Back

It’s fun and all to receive presents, but there is nothing more rewarding than spending your time helping others and volunteering, especially around this time of year. Giving back to your community is such an important thing to do! Just because you’re in college doesn’t mean you can’t find a place to serve…it gives you even MORE opportunities to volunteer. Keep your eyes open in your student unions and libraries for clubs that are offering service hours. I’m sure there is one that might interest you!