Between stressing about finals, studying for finals, taking finals, and finals, students in college have a lot that makes December a tough time. So, let's take a study break and focus on what makes December pretty decent!
1. Big jackets
It's cold outside for most students across the g, but the great thing about that is that you finally have an excuse to wear the giant sweater that's been taking up all the room in your closet! There's nothing quite like essentially wearing a comforter to class and completely hiding underneath 20 layers of clothes!
2. Warm drinks
The best time to drink piping hot coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or any other type of warm drink is when it provides maximum coziness. Meaning, you have to be super uncozy in order to fully appreciate your toasty beverage. The time is now to buy or make your favourite hot drink (presumably caffeine and sugar filled).
3. Every looks as dead outside as they are inside
Just look around the next time you are shuffling along to class. Nobody can hide it. Enjoy the unity through obvious suffering. Let the pain seep into your bones just like the cold, biting wind.
4. Christmas sweaters!!!
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Dorky Christmas sweaters are everywhere and the sight is beautiful. Even the staff at the cafeteria is all decked out in ho-ho-holiday cheer!
5. You have an excuse to be dumb
Every time that I have done a typically "me" mistake (getting my words out of order, saying something awkward, running directly into another person,etc.) the other person laughs and just goes, "It's that time of the year, huh?" or, "Finals?" Either way, my usual stupid mistake in speech or general clumsiness now has an excuse!
6. Pretty decorations
It's almost like humanity recognizes how miserable we are when it's cold, so we try extra hard to jazz things up. There are pretty lights and trees and inflatable reindeer everywhere, just to make you feel better about life! There certainly is something beautiful about appreciating aesthetics while dead inside!
7. Watching Christmas movies
On every single channel there is some story about how a dorky protagonist overcomes the odds with magic/friendship/positivity in order to save Christmas (and then also Harry Potter is probably on, just like during every holiday). So snuggle up with your significant other (or a plate of cookies) and enjoy all the cheer you can handle before you vomit candy canes!
8. Food
Let's be real, we are all using stress as an example to eat more or eat unhealthily (I know I am, but I do that anyways). Whether it's your 4th cup of hot chocolate or studying while snacking on fresh cookies, we are all chowing down on way to much. Alternatively, you may switch back and forth between being too busy to eat and the suddenly switching into overdrive mode and eating everything all at once. Either way, we are packing on the carbs and sugars and don't care even a little. On the bright side, body fat stores heat, so we will be warmer!
This time of year may be really rough for you, but remember to take a moment and acknowledge all the good that comes from difficult times. After all, most things in life wouldn't even be good if we didn't have something bad to compare it to.
Happy Holidays and good luck on finals!