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Three Ways To Relax This Holiday Season

We all love to hate the holidays due to their non-stop nature, so relax with these three hassle-free methods.

Olivia Johnson

Dec 03, 2018

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Is it seriously Christmastime again?! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore the Christmas season and everything it brings. Including the chaos. Decorating, buying presents, trying to get that punch recipe just right, and remembering the reason for the season makes December fly by in a flurry of ornaments, lights and hot chocolate-filled nights. I can't say that I love any time of the year more than Christmastime. However, I have noticed that downtime in the insanity-ridden season is critical to actually enjoying the season. The following are three ways that I've found are particularly useful in trying to enjoy the Christmastime rush.

Start your Christmas shopping early.

Seriously, don't be the person that waits until Christmas Eve (ahem, husband of mine :P)

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I remember growing up that my mom would start Christmas shopping in early summer, if not earlier. I used to think that was crazy...till I started having to buy presents for more than just mom, dad, and little sister. Seriously, hit the stores and/or online before everyone starts losing their minds and shopping turns into an expedition to the Serengeti...you know what I mean. People are hurdling display racks like antelope, and you are just trying not to get eaten by the ravenous parents desperate to get their hands on the latest Elsa and Anna Frozen DOLLS. My mama had it right. Shop early. Finish early. Sit back on your cough while everyone else tries to kill each other in the stores.

Plan for next year, this year.

Planning makes all the difference.

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This mostly pertains to decorations (at least for me), but it really helps tone down the Christmastime crazies. Every year, when my husband and I are packing up the decorations, we make sure to put them away, so they come out downtime the next year. For example, we wind the lights neatly, pack ornaments in special cases, wrap breakable objects in paper, etc. I'm telling you, it makes decorating the next year that much better--you don't have to fret about unwinding Christmas lights for three hours. Trust me; it's a lifesaver.

Just sit.

No seriously, just sit there.

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Part of Christmas fun is the constant on-the-go attitude. But for me, my favorite memories revolve around the quiet times--the times I purposefully set aside to be still. There is nothing better than grabbing your five favorite blankies, making some hot chocolate and curling up in your spouse's arms to stare at the Christmas tree. I guess what I'm saying is that you have to purposefully not lose your mind during Christmas. Acknowledge the fact that you're going to get overwhelmed, overexcited and a little crazy but don't let those things rule you this Christmas season. Set fifteen minutes aside and be thankful for all the craziness in your life, trust me, I certainly will.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Entertainment

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

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For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

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Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

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Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

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Recommended for you

Three Ways To Relax This Holiday Season

We all love to hate the holidays due to their non-stop nature, so relax with these three hassle-free methods.

Start your Christmas shopping early.

Plan for next year, this year.

Just sit.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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