Thanksgiving break has come and gone and college students all over the country are looking forward to one thing: winter vacation. During these next three to four weeks, you and your friends can stay busy and pass the time while getting into the Christmas spirit.

1. Bake Christmas cookies

If you're feeling down about the long, cold days full of stressful classes and final papers, don't be afraid to take an hour or two off, gather up your friends, and bake some cookies. Whether they're chocolate chip, sugar, oatmeal raisin, or in the shape of Santa or a Christmas tree, I guarantee they will cheer you up right away.

2. Participate in Secret Santa

Pick a night where all your friends are free, choose a price limit for gifts and the person you're buying for, and sit back, relax, and swap. Secret Santa is a fun way to buy your friends gifts while budgeting so you won't break the bank. Giving or receiving a gift will make your night, and it'll really start to feel like Christmas.

3. Dress in your favorite Christmas sweater, and turn up the tunes

If singing karaoke in your dorm room to Christmas carols doesn't scream "happy holidays," then I don't know what does. Pick a song you know by heart, and sing that jingle until you drop, or your neighbors tell you to quiet down. You could even select judges and make it into a fun contest. After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud, for all to hear.

I hope that these ideas will make your snowy days a little better, and of course, get you excited for the most wonderful time of the year.