I love Christmas time. It's my favorite time of the year. It's a time of joy, where you can just feel it in the air. Feel the warmth of those who share the same thoughts as you. The thought that Christmas is near, and it's time for toys and time for cheer. But being in college for half of December, especially having exam week in the middle of Christmas time, can be such a downer. But it doesn't have to be! Just think of me as one of Santa's elves and I will bring Christmas cheer to you and your dorm room!

1. You and your roommate do an advent calendar swap.

Just go out to the dollar store and buy the number of days, in things, that you'll be at school for until winter break, label their day numbers and put them in bags. It's like your mom is right there with you.

2. Get a mini Christmas tree from target or walmart 5-bellow with the cheap mini ornament collection

And let your Jewish or other religious friends decorate their first Christmas tree with you! #spreadthejoy

3. Do elf on the shelf for your roommate, clean or college version.

(get these cheap elf ornaments from target, instead of paying 25 for the real one)

4. String lights around the room

5. Or this...

Just green/red paper cups, red and green balloons, and string with command hooks.

6. Make Gingerbread houses with your friends.

7. Make a fireplace!

Just red and brown wrapping paper, green stickie notes, lots of tape and a black sharpie with command hook velcros on the back.

8. Wrap your door in wrapping paper or decorate it.

9. Do a secret Santa or white elephant with a club, group, friends or roommates.

(just be careful to how many you agree to... they start to add up).

10. Have a countdown to Christmas on your white board outside your door.

11. Play Christmas music while you study.

(Here's a good one)

12. Make a Christmas card to send home to your roommate's families.
(and if you do, make sure you get matching pajamas)
13. Go look at Christmas lights in the neighborhoods/ in the city around campus.

14. Have a good elfing movie night, watching the one... the only... Elf.

15. And while you watch Elf, make sure you drink hot chocolate (with marshmallows of course), bake some cookies, and cuddle up with your besties (only if they like to cuddle of course).

16. And finally, hang some mistletoe in front of your door. Let the fun begin.

Merry Christmas and have a Happy Exam Week!