Finals season is officially over and we're all home for the holidays (praise the Lord). We finally get to relax, enjoy time with our family, eat real food, and have free time—I started to forget what that was. Like many others, I've been anticipating Christmas since the week before Thanksgiving and the last few days have gone by so slowly. So, I've made a list of things do between now and Christmas day so that the anticipation doesn't get the best of me or you.

1. Put on your PJs and watch Christmas movies

This is my all time favorite Christmas tradition. My sister and I put on fuzzy socks, our warmest pajamas and blankets and watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Elf every year. You also can't go wrong with Home Alone, Christmas with the Kranks, Rudolph, or basically any Christmas movie ever.

Pro tip: Drink some hot cocoa or hot apple cider and get the fireplace going if you want to get extra cozy.

2. Make a gingerbread house

Nothing screams Christmas like making a gingerbread house! I'm not creative whatsoever, and my gingerbread houses end up looking like my four-year-old cousin made it. No matter how it turns out, they're so much fun to make with your friends or family.

3. Go see Christmas lights

Look for places around your town that have big Christmas light shows and drive to them! They're so much fun, and they usually have a radio station of Christmas music to tune into. Seriously, does it get any better than that? I think not.

4. Listen to (and sing) Christmas music

It's the only acceptable time of the year to listen to it, so take advantage of it. Whether its in the car, in the shower, or in the background as you make cookies(!!), it'll pass time AND get you in the Christmas spirit. Like Buddy the Elf says, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

Plus, I'm pretty sure its a law of Christmas to listen to Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" at least 67 times before Christmas day.

5. Go ice skating

This is such an awesome way to spend a day leading up to Christmas. Ice skating is so much fun, even if you're terrible at it like I am. It's good for making memories with the ones you love and having a blast while doing it. You can even get a super cute picture of it to prove you were doing something over break besides watching Netflix!

6. Spend time with friends and family

You're finally home for the holidays, what better way to spend it than with your family? Make some Christmas cookies with your mom or grandma (or dad if he's capable of not burning down the house). Go Christmas shopping with your siblings for your parents. Whatever you do, have fun with your family. It won't be long before we head back off to school and say goodbye once again.

7. Remember the true reason for the season

Last but certainly not least, remember the true reason we are able to celebrate Christmas every year, and the reasons WHY we celebrate. Celebrate the birth of Jesus and the undeniable, everlasting love of God this Christmas! It'll make you feel loved and complete, and will make this Christmas one for the books.