We’re in the final countdown to winter break. All we have to do is make it through finals and then we’re there. So, here are some activities, in no particular order, to look forward to in order to help push through finals week.

1. Sleeping In

Probably the most important aspect of break for a sleep deprived college student, most of us are looking forward to this more than anything. If you’re having trouble regulating your sleep schedule over break, try drinking some chamomile tea or using lavender lotion to help you sleep!

2. Good Food

Many of us eat at dining halls and don’t have the most nutritious diets during the school year. Take advantage of mom or dad’s cooking while you’re home!

3. Catching Up With Friends

Most of us have friends that went to other schools in other parts of the world or country. Since we’ll all be on winter break relatively around the same time, you’ll have a chance to catch up with your friends that you’ve mainly been communicating with through memes over text.

4. Making Some Extra Cash

It’s relatively easy to make some extra cash over winter break since most of us are out for about a month. If it ever snows, you could shovel. Otherwise, there’s also babysitting and temporary jobs in department stores or in restaurants. Some companies even offer winter internships!

5. Binge Watching Netflix

Most students are already doing this during the school year and could even be doing this while reading this article. But now we can do this without a sense of guilt and shame for not studying!

6. Winter Holidays

Some of these holidays are already underway (i.e. Hanukkah) but many of us are looking forward to our winter holidays. Whether this is because we get to spend time with family or give/receive presents is up for debate.

7. Watching Holiday Movies

Walking around campus, I constantly hear people making references to various holiday movies. Everyone seems excited to watch holiday movies, whether they be funny like "Elf" or terrifying like the new movie "Krampus."

8. New Years

Everybody gets excited for New Years because it’s an open invitation to go to parties and eat/drink. Getting to see the ball drop while you count down surrounded by your friends and family while you reminisce on your past year is always exciting. However you choose to spend your evening, please drink responsibly and make sure you have a designated driver if you are drinking!

9. Getting To Sit At The Adult Table

Hopefully your relatives will realize that since you’re well on your way to getting a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree and allow you to sit at the grown up table. No more having your little cousin tossing the mashed potatoes in your direction!

10. Awkward Family Conversations

Now these aren’t exactly something to look forward to per se. But you know you’re looking forward to hearing the hilarious and cringe-inducing awkward conversations that your friends had with their families.

Final exams can be stressful and cause you to lose sleep. But just remember what’s right around the corner! Good luck on exams!