With Christmas approaching more and more rapidly, winter exams will soon be over and the holiday season will officially begin. Being a student for as long as I can remember, I’m ashamed to say that as soon as there is no more to be studied, I am sometimes at a loss of what to do next. Time to myself? I’ve never heard of such a thing. What do I do with all my time before school begins again?

We’re certainly tempted to lay in bed all holiday, watching Netflix and allowing our brains to sink in to the pillows and cease to function. But despite the long list of academic and professional responsibilities we all have (and how tired they make us), it is equally as important to remember the true meaning of the holiday season: to be happy, healthy, and in the presence of our loved ones.

Rather than spending your time in bed, watching Netflix alone and calling out to your parents to “leave me alone!” remember that your family and friends are happy to see you, and more importantly to be able to make some unforgettable holiday memories. This holiday season, there are many activities and events that are available that foster warm feelings and love among us all.

1. Pop some popcorn, grab the blankets and settle down to watch a holiday movie.

Between ABC Family, the Hallmark Channel, and many other widely available TV stations, even without a DVD or BluRay player there are heaps and heaps of holiday movies available on cable to watch with the family. If you’re at a loss for movie ideas, hit up Entertainment Weekly’s “20 Top Christmas Movies Ever” or Rotten Tomatoes’ “25 Best Christmas Movies.”

2. Clean out your closet.

This one may sound like a chore, but you usually end up having way more fun than you originally intended to trying on old clothes and laughing and sharing resurfaced stories with your sibling and family as you go through everything. If you get bored, play some holiday music to set the mood!

3. Decorate your house.

Didn’t you ever watch "Home lLone" and think to yourself what a magnificent display of lights their house looked? Why can’t we accomplish something like that? If the ‘rents and the siblings are on board, start a holiday mission to be the best dang lookin’ house out there.

Pinterest or else where on the internet and try your skill at making something delicious and new!

Happy holidays everyone, and good luck with exams!