The Holiday’s can get crazy busy, so it’s important to remember a few things as college finals loom and the season quickly gets underway. Here are eight things you should remember as you voyage out into the shopping malls and retail stores for gifts and hunker down as the year comes to a fast close:

1. It’s about the people you spend time with. Family, friends, etc… (This should be a -given at all times, but) If you’re coming home from college after a grueling semester, kick it with your home-friends and laugh — a lot. Spend some time with your family, too. They may drive you up the wall sometimes, but just remember that everyone’s family is crazy in their own way.

2. For the love of God, please be nice to the retail workers. I work retail, and I promise you we are not trying to steal your money. All we’re trying to do is get you the best deals possible when they’re available.

3. The actual reason for the season is the birth of a baby, which is pretty miraculous. Jesus is the best, if you haven’t heard.

4. Be thankful for the gifts people get you. For me personally, I put a lot of thought into the gifts I give. Whether that’s based on one thing I’ve heard you say or something I know is extremely important to you… I know I’m not the only one that gives gifts like this, so be grateful for everything you receive this holiday season.

5. Stay on budget if you’re on one. Refer to number two. Search for the deals! I just got four pretty big candles from Yankee and two of those babies were for FREE!!

6. When it snows, drive slow. Ain’t nobody got time for accidents.

7. Rest. Whatever rest looks like for you, do it.

8. Since the New Year is coming, do something new, create a reasonable goal for yourself that you know will make you happy and stick to it once the New Year kicks in. Learn an instrument. Workout and lose some weight if you’ve been wanting to do that. Set aside more time for journaling/reading/something else you love. Talk to that person you’ve been nervous to talk to. Find a new job. The possibilities to make yourself happier in the long run are endless and they will improve your life tenfold.

That’s about all I’ve got for ya.

Happy Holidays!