Christmas time is that wonderful time of the year where there is nothing like family. Of all the times throughout the year, Christmas does bring out the most family-oriented side of us humans whether we love our family or we think they are the most dysfunctional piece of work That has walked on Earth. It is even better when Christmas is situated on the weekends. A perfect time for many of college students to bask in all the wonderful food that is home-cooked, the gifts that they were expecting and in expecting, and the time to catch up with all those relatives keep asking the same questions. So to those college students, I say cherish that time because many of us, like myself, won't be as fortunate. This will be my first official Christmas and New Year's break away from home and worst of all, working. Now, there are a few of you who have grown accustomed to working for the holidays, especially if it's on the weekends. But, what happens when your job is an all year round job and takes no holidays whatsoever? It makes it seem like that your life has become a monotonous record. The same tune over and over again. How does one survive this?

For starters, dwelling on the negative side of it all Will suck the Christmas joy out of you quickly. If you are someone like me, I like to consider my closest friends or my closest sorority sisters and frat brothers as my other family. If they happen to be in town where I work I will take some time on my lunch break or when I'm off work to spend a little Christmas with them. But, if they are with family be sure to text them or call them and ask if it's OK if You could spend just a few minutes of Christmas with them. Speaking of phone call and text use it on your parents and/or your relatives. I use Skype and Google Chat, because it puts me in a video conference with my mom, my sister, and my dad. I used this last year on New Year's eve, when I spent it with my friends and did the countdown with my family. Although the feeling does not compare with being with them in person, I decided that the ways of the future do come in handy when you're feeling a little homesick. So if you happen to have a smart phone that has video capturing capabilities, use it to your advantage. Of course, if you have very old fashion parents or grandparents that don't know what an iPhone is, simply pick up a phone and call them. I guarantee you that they would like to hear your voice at least to know that you are alive and are in good health this holiday season. If you want to be more old-fashioned than that, write a letter and send your gift starting right now. That way when Christmas comes, your sentiments will be just in time. Nothing says sincerity and heartfelt encouragement, than a handwritten letter following a Christmas gift. Since this is the season of giving, doing a small random act of kindness can boost your spirits up this season. By giving to others whether it's in gifts, in your service at work, or simply spending five minutes or five seconds wishing a stranger Merry Christmas, The purpose of Christmas can still be within you and around you. In the spirit of giving to others, be sure to give yourself a much-needed R&R and to enjoy the best gift of them all, life. Remember, there are some people who are still having Christmas without living or neglectful family, food, shelter, or even a cure to their sickness.This was the very reminder that I was told by a friend who have spent Christmas away from family, yet still have some of the best Christmases. So what is the best way to survive a holiday without being at home? My ways and suggestions may not work with you, but in all things, I hope we have in common the fact that we are still alive and are able to see another Christmas is a present in itself. That can make any holiday away from home more tolerable. To you and yours, Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.