Most people I've talked to keep saying, "I'm going to get so bored over break. I won't have anything to do." When I hear this it makes me upset, because while it is an extra long break (my school gets a month off), I see it as a blessing rather than a curse. I'm tired of people complaining about a nice, long break from work! I am looking forward to the much-needed time off and to help myself if I get bored, I made a list of things I would like to do or accomplish over break. I hope this helps anyone who is dreading the "boringness" of break to see that there is almost TOO MUCH you can do.

1. Spend intentional time with family and friends.

Obviously, everyone is planning on seeing family and friends over break, but I challenge you to go the extra mile and truly be present in your time with them. Don't be on your phone, or just go see a movie with them. Have real conversations, find out how they're REALLY doing, and get to know them on an even deeper level than you already do.

2. Practice a skill.

Whether you want to learn how to play the guitar like me, or you've always wanted to try crocheting, or you want to sharpen your writing skills, there's something for everyone. Decide what it will be, and set aside time to practice either every day or every couple days. The time is now or never.

3. Binge watch a TV show with a friend or family member.

Personally, my mom and I are planning on binging Gilmore Girls. It excites me more to binge-watch a show with someone I love because then it's a social activity rather than just entertainment. Plus, it's something concrete I can do with my mom every day and a new way I can bond with her.

4. Read a book for enjoyment.

Whether you've always wanted to know what Eat, Pray, Love was all about or you never got around to reading 50 Shades, actually having time to enjoy a book can be lovely. Reading may not be your thing, but if it is, I highly suggest taking the opportunity to read at least one book cover-to-cover.

5. See movies at the theater.

I rarely have time, money, or transportation enough to see movies at the theater while at school. One of my favorite things is going home and seeing movies at the theater...it's just a much more rewarding experience than watching it at home. Sneak in your favorite candy, consider going at a time that tickets are cheaper, and enjoy.

6. Craft.

Whether you'd rather make crafts for your dorm or apartment, Christmas presents for your loved ones, or you want something fun to do with your little cousins, crafting is always a creative and fun choice when you're sitting around bored.

7. Shop for loved ones' gifts.

One of the biggest parts of Christmas is the idea of giving, and it can feel really darn great to shop for people you care about. Try to find the perfect gift for those special people. Don't stop till you've found it (because, trust me, you WILL find it!).

8. Go to a new coffee shop.

Coffee shops are just about my favorite places. Even if you don't want to spend a lot of money on coffee every day, just sitting at a table and reading, journaling, doing homework, or even people-watching can be just as great as going there for actual coffee. Great place for hangouts with friends and first dates, too!

9. Get deeper into your faith life.

Whether you haven't read scripture in 6 months or you go to daily services, we all can go deeper in our relationship with our creator. Pray or meditate more often, crack open your Bible or preferred sacred text, or even write a letter or journal to God. Open your heart to what he is trying to tell you in this time of break.

10. Rest/meditate.

I don't mean sleep. While sleep is great and all, resting can be just as important. Especially with the stress of school and possible holiday stresses ,in addition, it's important to take time to reflect on your life and have time to calm your mind and be still.

11. Love on your pet.

You haven't seen your poor pup or cat or gerbil or beta fish in months. They deserve your love and attention, because honestly who knows how often they get pet/walked/cherished when you're away. If nothing else, verbally state your affection for them as though they can understand.

12. Go on an adventure.

Try doing something you've never done. Travel an hour away to a different town, go get a bunch of junk food and pig out, or hang out with a new person. There's a lot of world to explore, and not enough time to do it, so just go for it.

13. Be active.

Go to your local gym, walk around the block with your dog, or just do some exercises in the comfort of your own home. This will help burn off those extra calories you're eating over the holidays as well as keeping you from just sitting around all day.

14. Explore nature.

My favorite way to do this is to go to a park and take some pictures because I love photography. It may sound weird to explore nature when it's cold out, but the Christmas lights at the zoo or the pretty winter sights can make it a lot more bearable.

15. Watch Christmas movies.

Elf. Christmas With The Kranks. How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Rudolph. Or my personal favorite, Home Alone. Nothing more needs to be said.

16. Go to a concert.

What better to do in the bitter cold of winter than a concert inside a toasty indoor venue? A lot of artists are either finishing up fall tours or doing holiday shows, so it can be a great time for live music.

17. Find new music.

If you love finding new artists, albums and songs like I do, now's the time. You have days upon days to listen to new music and find what you like. Sometimes it'll lead you to the most obscure artists which may make you feel weird at first, but eventually it will make you feel quite hipster.

18. Journal.

Keeping a journal is a great way to sort out your thoughts and even prayers if you choose, but it's hard to keep up with one during school when there's so much going on. You have time now, though, even if it's just for 10 minutes before bed every night while your brain is winding down.

19. Bake cookies.

When my cousins and I get together, we like to do fun Christmas activities like baking cookies. Make them cute, make them yummy, or make them cute AND yummy. This is more fun to do with a couple people or a group, but there's no shame in getting your baking on by yourself.

20. Volunteer.

If you don't have a job over break, volunteering can be a great way to give something back during the holiday season. Whether it's at an animal shelter, food bank, soup kitchen, or your local church, there's volunteer opportunities everywhere.