With the semester and year coming to a close, it's often hard to enjoy the time before New Years. Here's a short list of things to help you get the most out of your break.

1. Binge.

That movie, show, or book you put off this semester? GET TO IT. You probably keep telling your friends that you want to start a new show on Netflix, but haven’t had the time to actually sit down and enjoy it. Also, that book that someone let you borrow a few months has to get returned sometime so you might as well read it first.

2. Purge your closet.

Clothes that don’t fit or the things you just don’t wear anymore need to be discarded. Before you just trash everything, some of your old stuff can be of use to other people or even land you a few extra dollars in your pocket. You can donate your clothes to thrift stores, hold a yard sale, or some retailers will take gently used clothes for cash or store credit. Ladies, those dust collecting shoes that we “just might need” have to go. I am guilty of this, but all they do is take up space and we all know that they will not be worn again. BONUS: More space for new clothes!

3. Travel.

Please do not get stuck at home over Christmas break. Even if it’s just a trip to the zoo or next closest city to shop. See a friend or visit your relatives you haven’t seen in a while.

4. Do something festive.

Alright, here are the obvious things that should be done over break. Bake or consume a TON of cookies, make an ornament or gingerbread house, drive around and see Christmas lights, watch a Christmas movie, and listen to Christmas music. Tis' the season, and don’t forget to attend your local Christmas parade!

5. SLEEP!

At some point in this semester, you have either pulled an all nighter or close to it. This is the time to rest. After this break, the only time we have off is MLK day and spring break, so a total of 6 DAYS until summer comes around!!! (Plus we all know there are going to be professors who have assignments due right after spring break.)

6. Spend time with your family.

Think about all the times you missed home in the past few months. Now understand that your parents have missed you 10X more than that. You get to have this exciting part of your life and then go home and squeeze them whenever you can. Time is precious and they are getting older. Spending time with them could be something as simple as watching a movie, playing a board game, or shopping.

7. Work.

Yes, it's a break. It's also a good time for some extra hours, especially with jobs that need holiday help. More money = more freedoms.

8. Treat Yo-self!

Even if you didn't end the semester the way you hoped, you're only half way done. It's time to unwind and put these past few months behind you. Spend part of this break doing what YOU love. Art? Shopping? Video games? Whatever it is, DO IT.