We have one short week left of killer finals, but guess what then you will be done for an entire MONTH and able to breathe again. The question is what to do with all this newly found free time? My suggestion is to enjoy every moment through a bucket list because it'll be over before you know it just this semester.
1.SLEEP, Sleep, And More Sleep
If your semester was anything like mine, it consisted of an ample amount of all-nighters and studying till the wee hours of the morning. Winter break is the perfect time to catch up on sleep, especially since everyone has probably been nagging at you about it. My mom has mentioned a few times how college students are like babies because all we do is sleep, relax, and eat. We certainly lack all of those things when we're overwhelmed with a million assignments, so it only makes sense to catch up when we have the time. It's not our fault it usually happens during family time!
2. Binge Watch Everything You Missed Out On This Past Semester
My bond with Netflix has been so very much lacking this semester and I am thoroughly looking forward to reconnect with it over the break. All those moments when someone tried to spoil Greys or Arrow for me on social media, it won't be the case for much longer. It may seem like a waste to some, but I encourage you to make some time and watch some of the shows you lacked during every sleepless night. Enjoy those moments where you're in your PJs from sun up to sun down because we are on break and that is socially acceptable for college students.
3. Find Ways To Make Extra Money.
I feel like I never have enough money because we are at that awkward stage in our life where we are grown, but we still aren't making a grown up salary. So I encourage you to maybe pick up a few extra shifts somewhere or babysit for that family you used to during high school because you'll appreciate it next semester when your out of dining dollars and you're just dying to have a pizza.
4. Take A Road Trip.
I mean it when I say you will never get this time back and all that will be left of this break is the memories you made. That is why taking a road trip somewhere is the perfect opportunity to make the most of this time! Maybe it's to see one of your college friends that you basically saw just a few weeks ago, but are dying to see them or to visit family you have not seen in years. If you have tons of free time and an awesome group of friends you could adventure onto the route 66 or Million Dollar highway road trip, but even a road trip to the gas station can be classified as an adventure! Be spontaneous and live every moment like it's your last.
5. Take Advantage Of Every Christmas Activity.
Now this tip might be biased because I absolutely LOVE Christmas, but look around it is the best of the year and we have all the time in the world to enjoy it! Watch the movie Elf at least ten times, drink endless amounts of hot cocoa or eggnog, decorate the tree, go Christmas lights driving ,maybe even sing a Christmas song or two on the daily, but overall tis the season to be merry! Never forget who died on the cross for our sins and we owe it to him to celebrate his birthday! Remember there is no shame going to events like cookies with Santa because we will always be kids at heart and take advantage of every opportunity to share with others the real reason for the season, but just enjoy this time that you can literally feel the love in the air!
6. Enjoy The Little Moments With Your Family.
I promise after a week or two at home you will have had enough family time to last you all of Spring semester, but do not let this time get the best of you. Your family misses you more than you will ever know, so let them take a million ugly photos of you and drag you to ridiculous events because that is what will tie the both of you over until Spring. During the times that school becomes too much all I want to do is drop out and move home, but winter break is the moment that you finally get that relaxation you desired with the people who love you the most. So when your mom is nagging at you to help with baking cookies or your grandma wants you to come over for a few hours take advantage of those moments to share a few laughs with those who will cherish it forever.
7. Hangout With Old Friends.
All the plans you have had made since the moment you left for fall semester can finally be possible since you'll all be back in the same place again. So take some time to reconnect with those you haven't seen in forever and make sure to never let friendships you have had for years become a season because you did not make time for each other! Maybe it'll be binge watching Gilmore Girls together or going to eat Chick Fil A several times a week, but essentially make time for your friends over this break because they are apart who you are today!
8. Eat A LOT and Everywhere You Can.
Enjoy all of your mom's home cooked meals because they are definitely better than all the ramen and dining hall food you have been consuming for the past couple months. Go to all the restaurants that were a staple when you were growing up and it is okay to maybe get a little envy about all the delicious food you have missed out on. There is no shame in the "winter break fifteen" if it was worth the taste, am I right?
9.Take This Time To Reflect On The Past Semester.
This past semester was the biggest struggle of my life, so I know personally I am going to take some time this break and figure out what I could have done better. We always have room for improvement and I encourage you to strive to find those weaknesses to come back next semester stronger than ever. Remember one semester does define the rest of your life and you will soon overcome any challenge that you may have faced. Also, remember to not spend too much time focusing on school because ultimately you will be back at it soon enough.
10. Remember It's Only A Break.
As much as you're itching for the semester to be over, soon enough you'll be stuck at home dying to back. College is depicted so well in the picture above because ultimately it is a cycle that seems like it never ends at times. Whether you're going home for the whole month of December or just a few days make the most of the time you have with the people you love and make time to mentally prepare yourself for the semester that lies ahead.
"As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, And its place acknowledges it no longer."
Psalm 103:15-16