As I write this article, there are twenty five days left until students at my college leave for Christmas break (unless they have a final on the very last day). This coming week is especially hard because, just coming from a handful of tests and Thanksgiving break- we're pretty much ready for the semester to end.
However, we still have a couple more weeks of classes to pull through, and the scariest thing of all- Final Exams. At this moment, it might feel impossible that we can do it. Thankfully, with Christmas less than a month away there's a lot of little things that can keep us going until we can have our break, and be proud of all the hard work we put in this semester.
1. Christmas music.
There's nothing like jamming out to your favorite Christmas songs to fill your heart with joy.
2. Friends.
Knowing that you get to see your friends several times every day and knowing you probably wont see them at all during Christmas break can make you appreciate these last days you have with them.
3. Weekends.
Whether you like to sleep or go out, weekends are always much needed after an exhausting week of 8 am classes. Even if we can't nap all week yet- we can get that on the weekends.
4. Decorating your dorm room.
We all have our favorite christmas decorations- whether that be a christmas tree, lights all around the room or singing Santas- there's always something to bring a sparkle of joy to your room.
5. Christmas movies.
We also all have our Christmas movie classics- those movies who get Christmas just right and get you in the mood of the holiday.
6. Reading days.
Nope, not exactly days to read. Most colleges have reading days- those couple of days before finals which you can use to breathe and prepare to ace those last tests!
7. Lights.
Walking around campus after 5 pm is so much better with the beautiful lights that are put up all around the trees on campus.
8. Gift shopping.
Suprising your family with gifts when you get home can be make the quest to find the best gift ever really exciting.
9. Countdown.
Every day that passes by is a day less until Christmas break.
10. Christmas performances.
Whether it be the school choir or the dance club, stay tuned for the wonderful performances that are coming up around campus.!
11. Candy.
Christmas is the perfect excuse to get Christmas-themed candy. Especially chocolate. Go get all the chocolate.
12. Giving.
There is no better feeling that knowing you are making someone's day better. For the days coming until Christmas break, there are many organizations that could use a generous gift or a close by community that could benefit from your help and love!
13. Positive thinking.
I know that the last weeks of the semester can be really stressful, but hang in there! Give it all you've got. Before you know it, you'll be home and the hard work will have payed off.
14. Stay busy.
This is definitely no problem for college students, But if you find yourself missing out on family traditions, just remind yourself you'll be there just in time for the most important parts!
15. Blankets.
Stay warm! There's nothing that gets me through a stressful day better than cuddling in a blanket (especially if there's a nap included).
16. Snow.
"There's nothing like a white christmas". Snow can get really annoying by the spring, but with the fall ending there's nothing I'm expecting more than a little snow.
17. Christmas cards.
Christmas cards are a great way to feel closer to your loved ones while you're still not with them for Christmas break. If you get super creative- its also a great distraction.
18. Hot chocolate .
Cold days call for hot chocolate or coffee. Shoutout to Dunkin Donuts for always having our back on this one.
19. Crafts.
Christmas crafts add a personal touch to your home decorations. Even just Pinterest-ing ideas for when you get home (or just to appreciate the pictures) can be fun!
20. Connection.
When we're really stressed, we often forget to reconnect with our spiritual selves. Whatever you believe in, don't forget you can always count on it to keep you strong!
21. Christmas tree.
A personal favorite- there's an infinite amount of combinations of ornaments that can be hung on the Christmas tree. Don't forget a star or an angel at the top!
22. Family phone calls.
Your family can make you laugh, keep you tuned on family plans and calm your anxiety on how things will go down once you're home.
23. Secret Santa.
Before exchanging gifts with your family- it's time to do Secret Santa with your friends!
24. That Tough Class Will Be Over Soon.
That really tough class you're taking? Keep in mind you won't have to take it ever again, and that you'll be so proud of yourself when its done. So keep it up for the final stretch!
25. Family traditions.
Every family has their own special traditions: whether it be pre-Christmas meals or a post-Christmas nap day- there's gotta be something that is worth waiting for.
And there's no better feeling than the joy that will bring.
