I'm sure I speak for plenty of college students when I say finals week is rough. Sleep, peace of mind, and a correctly timed meal are hard to come by during finals and so is Christmas spirit. Stress overwhelms us during finals week so it's easy to forget how awesome Christmas is. Never fear; if you're being a Grinch, here are 15 ways to renew your love for Christmas.
1.Drink hot chocolate, of course. Marshmallows and peppermint candy canes are not required but they are definitely recommended.
2. Invest in Christmas pajamas. The more obnoxious, the better.
3. Don't take the Christmas pajamas off unless you need to go into public. Soak in the Christmas spirit through your pores.
4. Volunteer to ring the Salvation Army bell. Spreading love and joy really is the reason for the season.
5. Watch your favorite Christmas movies. If you don't have a favorite, find a favorite. You need a favorite Christmas movie. Bonus points if you wear your Christmas jammies and drink hot chocolate while watching.
6. Get serious about wrapping paper. I enjoy going to Target and buying wrapping paper with matching ribbon way too much. If all the presents don't match, I suffer internally.
7. Non-stop Christmas music. Listen to it in the car. Listen to it in the shower. Listen to it while you sleep.
8. Go look at Christmas lights. Every town has that one neighborhood where everyone goes crazy with Christmas lights. Give them the attention they deserve. Once again, hot chocolate enhances the experience.
9. Create your own nativity scene. Nativity scenes are the best. Get creative and remember the importance of the event it represents.
10. Buy presents for people who may not get any. Seriously though, love and generosity are so much more important than lights and candy canes. Try finding a Toys for Tots drop off location or donate to something similar.
11. Make Christmas treats. Pinterest is an amazing thing. Look at these brownies.
12. Invest in a tacky Christmas sweater. Worth it.
13. Attend or host a tacky Christmas sweater party. Bonus points if you bring the treats to the party. Don't forget the hot chocolate.
14. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. Just hugging a family member/friend and letting them know how happy you are to be with them for Christmas is enough to remind you both why Christmas is an amazing time.
15. Remember the "Christ" in "Christmas." Sometimes it is easy to forget why we celebrate Christmas when we get wrapped up (Get it? Wrapped up?) in the superficialities. The most important way to love Christmas is to love Christ.