*cue "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"* Christmas is only a couple weeks away (as are Hannukah and Kwanzaa!) and although my peers and I are scrambling to figure out final projects, scribbling final papers, and studying for final exams, I'm still excited for the Christmas season. It's a special time of year when people are just a little bit happier, just a little more hopeful, and a little more charitable.

Despite the stress of final exams, I think that there are still ways that we can all get into the Christmas spirit.

1. Be kind to others.

Hold the door open. Smile at those you pass instead of staring at the ground and awkwardly avoiding eye contact. Give someone a genuine compliment. Call or text someone you love but haven't talked to in a while. It's the little things that can really make or break someone's day.

2. Donate to Charity.

While not everyone is in a position to donate money, time, or resources to charity, those who are able should share the blessings in their lives. If you have a favorite charity, now is the perfect time to donate something, even if it's as much as you can afford (aka a few dollars or an hour of your time). If there's one thing the holidays should teach us, it's that we all deserve a little happiness in our lives.

3. Take a moment to relax.

Whether you're stressed out about exams, work, or holiday shopping, take a minute or five to stop what you're doing and breathe. Get lunch with a loved one. Take a bubble bath. Go on a walk but stay off your phone. Do something that you love doing and that helps you relax. Self-care is never a bad option, but it's especially important during this stress-filled time of the year.

4. Listen to holiday music if you want to get in the ~mood~.

I know that Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra Christmas songs never fail to get me in the mood to celebrate (thanks, Mom). Whether it's Frank and Bing, Michael Buble, Mariah Carey, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, or literally any other song, take a moment and chill out with a beloved song. (Side note: if you missed Loyola's Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols or you just want to watch/listen to it again, here's the link to the video.)

5. Get outside.

It may be chilly and windy, but that doesn't mean you can't bundle up and go get some fresh air. Take a risk, bundle up, and get on out there!

6. Decorate to your heart's content.

Everyone has a different opinion of what holiday decorations look like, so decorate as much as you want. This can be a stress-reducer if you have a little fun with it and can definitely get you in the mood to celebrate.

7. Do what makes you happy.

Ignore what other people think. This is as good a time as ever to do that thing you love to do.