We are so close to feeling that massive weight lifted off our shoulders as winter break begins. We have so much more time to do whatever we want when school is not in sessions. However, many people still end up being bored because they don't know what to do with all that time. It is a big change in your schedule, but that doesn't mean you should shut down completely. You can take advantage of that extra time to get so much stuff done that you wouldn't normally have time to do.

1. Organize
Instead of being stressed during the whole next semester, you could get all the stuff in your life organized while you have all this extra time. I like to make sure I have my bag/calendar ready for the next semester as soon as the semester ends so I can relax and forget about school until the very last minute. I usually make sure my technology is organized with all the software, music, and games that I need, too. I don't have time to worry about stuff like that during the semester, and I'm sure you don't either, so I get all that stuff out of the way while I have all the time in the world.

My house is never as clean during the semester as it is during breaks. I get all my deep cleaning done before the holidays as soon as the semester ends, and it makes the rest of my break so relaxing in my cozy home. Most people don't like cleaning as much as I do, but it feels great to get it out of the way to enjoy the holidays with your loved ones. Besides, a clean space helps give you a clean mind with less stress.

The holidays are almost here, and that includes stuffing your face with lots of sweets. You could make holiday cookie trays for your family and friends, or you could start making meals that don't involve a microwave. Eat those treats in moderation, and your body will thank you for not eating all the junk you normally eat during the semester. I always feel more accomplished when I make a new recipe and it turns out amazing. You may just find your new favorite foods by doing that, too.

Reading for personal pleasure seems to get pushed aside when you have to read so many textbooks during the semester, so now's your time to get caught up. This helps to make sure your mind doesn't turn to mush before you go back for the next semester. People always say "When you meet someone who is very intelligent, you should ask him or her what books he/she read." So go exercise your mind with a good book and some coffee/tea/hot chocolate this break.

Whether you write, sing, paint, cook, etc., let your imagination go and create something amazing. Stress is drastically minimized during this time, so take advantage of the time to do what really makes you happy. Plus, if you don't have money for gifts, you could give some of your creations to your loved ones instead!

Seriously, people do not get enough sleep these days. It may not seem productive, but getting an adequate amount of sleep each night has so many physical and mental benefits that will allow you to really enjoy the break without becoming a zombie. Make sure you get about eight hours of sleep, and you will feel a million times better.

Spend time with your friends before you go back to hiding your face in a textbook. You probably don't get to see your friends that much when the semester is in, so get together without having the stress of homework and exams in your mind. You can do many of the things on this list together, too!

Watch movies and/or TV shows that you may have missed out on due to your busy schedule. You could always get into the whole 25 Days of Christmas thing on ABC Family, as well. Cozy up with a blanket and snacks, and you can have your own movie night with your significant other or a few of your friends.

The more you work, the more money you get. Shocker, I know, but you don't always have to be worried about money if you have to time to work more and do something about your debts. As long as you still have time to relax and get all your other stuff done, why not work as much as you can? You'll love getting those paychecks during such a financially stressful time of year, anyway.

Well I told you to work, so why not use some of that extra money spoiling yourself or your loved ones for the holidays. Update your wardrobe, redecorate your home, and/or do whatever you have been wanting to do when you were getting smaller paychecks.

This one is weather/location permitting, but you don't always have to be stuck inside your house when summer ends. You can be active with all these winter sports, or you could simply make a snowman in your yard. Don't let the cold keep you from enjoying the little bit of beauty there is in winter. Bundle up, call your friends, and sing "Do you want to build a snowman?"

Take advantage of that extra time off school to get the body that you've always wanted. You don't have the excuse of not having enough time to work out anymore. Whether you go to the gym or work out at home, you finally have time to get your daily sweat sesh in!

Don't be bored this winter break. Use this time to get caught up on everything your weren't able to do during the semester. Enjoy the holidays with your family and friends while bettering yourself at the same time. Get the rest that you deserve, but balance out your time so you can do so much more. Then when you go back to school, you can talk about all your adventures and things that happened during winter break!