So it's Christmas break and you're super excited, however, you know when you get home you're just going to busy doing things that will prepare you for the end of the semester and all the last minute things at home you have to get done. However stressful Christmas break can be at times, you should spend time to enjoy yourself. Not every minute of your break should be filled with doing tedious tasks that aren't super important.
This week I want to list some fun things each college kid should do while they're away for Christmas break to reduce stress and really recover from all the projects and tests that consumed you the few days right before break. Take time out and do something really fun, and here's the best part, it doesn't even have to best expensive for you to have fun as a college kid coming home!
1. Go to your home church
When I was on campus I loved going to Maria Creek Chapel at Vincennes University, but there was just something about going to Owen Valley Christian Fellowship again that really made me feel relaxed and at home. People from your home church want to know how your college experience is going, and they really do actually miss you. So go home and go to your favorite home church. You'll be glad you did.
2. Do some laundry
I know this isn't exactly fun now, but it will be when you get back to school and don't have to do ten loads of laundry. Take advantage of the free washer and dryer you have at home. Bring home your sheets, towels, swim suits, anything that could potentially be dirty, bring it home. Use the sweet smelling fabric softer that will remind you of home when you head back to school next week.
3. Spend time with your family
I know this may sound like a given, but do something with your family. Whether it's just watching a basketball game or going out to dinner sometime during the week, enjoy the small time you have with them this week. Because a few days before you leave for Christmas break the homesickness starts to really kick in.
4. Hang out with friends from back home
Even though you may be crazy busy over Christmas break, try to make time to hang out with friends from back home. They miss you and want to know how life wherever you're at is going. It doesn't have to be anything more than going to coffee, but it will make you feel good to catch up for an hour or so.
5. Read a good book
I know it doesn't really seem like a fun idea because you read all the time for class, however, reading something of your choice is really great when you're on break. Spend a few hours reading an old favorite book or a new book. It's relaxing, and you don't have to answer a single question related to what you're reading.
6. Start and finish a show on Netflix
During the school year we may not have a whole lot of time to watch Netflix, but we might over Thanksgiving break. Pick something random, and just binge watch without feeling guilty about doing some kind of chore or homework. Take some time to grab the pop corn and watch your favorite show. In fact, not just start it, but go ahead and finish it, too!
7. Let your parents do stuff for you
I loved coming home knowing my parents would want to take me shopping and grocery shopping. They miss you and when you come home they want to spoil you, so let them do it! You're away so long, that they miss taking you out to dinner and shopping, so have some of that time with them while you're home! You'll regret it later if you don't!
8. Get your car washed
It may not be super exciting but having a nice cleaned car for going to back to campus just makes you feel good. In fact, fill up all the way on gas, vacuum the floor boards, was the windshield. Take everything that's not necessary out of your car, and yes, I do mean that three week old Wendy's bag that's in your glove box.
9. Work on your Spotify playlist
I know this may seem small, but it's the small things like this we don't always have time for on campus. Add new music and old music. Make your playlist 1000 songs, keep adding. Because you can never have too much music in your life. Ask your friends and family for good songs to add to your playlist. New music is always pretty great. And this task doesn't take too long and can be pretty fun!
10. Just enjoy break
I know a lot of the time as college kids we can't wait to get back and be with our friends. However, when you're home this Christmas break just enjoy being a kid under your parents house for as long as you can because sooner or later you're going to be out in the real world and will miss every single break you had in college! Take advantage of them, and really have fun, do whatever makes you happy this break and don't forget to relax a little!