Ten easy ways to take advantage of your break.

Get some sleep.

You’ve had countless late nights of studying, and now is the time to catch up on some z’s. Whether you go to bed early, sleep in, or both, your brain deserves some time off, so nurture it.

Have a Harry Potter marathon.

With all your free time, take a day to sit down by the fire and watch 19 hours and 40 minutes straight of Harry Potter. It’s a challenge, but when it’s accomplished you will be extremely gratified.

Go out and ice skate.

If you’re from Minnesota, or staying there over the holidays, skating is a must. Not only will you be participating in a great Minnesota tradition, but you’ll be getting a little exercise in as well.

Help out and volunteer.

The holiday season is a time for giving, so give something back to the community. There’s plenty of local charities or organizations that would love to have your help.

Go sledding.

Whether you go to a local park, or a professional sledding hill, sledding is a necessity during winter break.

Work.

With all the time off, having a way to make a little extra money can be very helpful. Having a part time job will keep you preoccupied when the boredom starts to kick in, and when second semester starts, you’ll be grateful to have a little spending money.

Do the polar plunge.

Embrace the cold weather and go jump into some freezing water. That will prove how tough you really are, and it makes the hot chocolate that much better when you’re done.

Explore your city.

Take the time to drive around and gaze at all of the lights that decorate people’s houses. Those lights are put up for you to enjoy, so go around and appreciate the work that people have put in.

Do something new each day.

Don’t fall into the same routine over winter break. Plan a new activity for each day. Whether it be trying a new food, or watching a movie you have yet to see, try and switch up the pace before it’s too late.