Ah, the smell of Christmas break is looming ever so near! As finals dwindle to an end, the idea of having four weeks of carefree life seems delightful, but actually recognizing what that truly encompasses is sometimes bittersweet. Though you can’t help to admit how happy you are to kick back and unwind over break, there are a few things that make it a little tough to ease into this relaxation.
Classes might be done, but for many of us, this time during the day will likely be replaced with a busy work schedule. Without the stress of class, work may be more enjoyable, but endless days of work can be exhausting. So, while we rejoice that finals and homework have finally ceased, hours and stress of work only follow soon after.
More problems arise when you realize you aren’t on a college campus. Why yes, we love the cooking of our blessed mothers and the endless supply of cookies; however, the competition of claiming cars in the house is at an all-time high come Christmas break. We are no longer a walk away from our friends, so we need our cars in order to see the ones we miss over break. If you come from an especially big family, coordinating plans to use the car can get especially difficult. But hopefully, if you have some good friends, they won’t mind picking you up in their swag minivan so you can get together with your homies.
Though you may have your high school friends to see at home, throughout break you will have a little part of your heart aching because you are separated from your college friends for a month. In the long scheme, this may not be an extensive amount of time; however, not seeing their beautiful faces every day is definitely an adjustment. You are used to experiencing everything with these people, and even though life back in the suburbs may be monotonous, it's odd not to have them by you for every meal or every time you go to bed.
Although there are some downers of Christmas break, with them come some of the beautiful blessings of Christmas break. Let’s face it: four weeks without any commitments to school is a big blessing all in its own. Not only can you watch endless shows on Netflix without feeling the repercussions in your grades, but you also can lounge around the house for hours at a time catching up with family whom you haven’t seen for a while. It’s amazing how much this can bring back your cheerful demeanor.
Another bonus to this time away is that you finally have a little free time (outside of your work schedule!) to do those winter activities that you have wanted to do all winter long. Whether it is skiing, snow tubing, or just indulging in some favorite Christmas movies, with all this free time you finally are able to give yourself a break to have some fun.
As you enter this winter break, make the best of the time you have. Though there may be days filled with lots of work or conflicts in schedules with your siblings, overall, it’s a time to give yourself that refreshing rest. You want to come back with energy and liveliness for the beginning of second semester classes, so you can start it off on a good note. Though there are these ups and downs that you will encounter throughout Christmas break, you are sure to have a great month if you keep your spirits merry (pun intended).
