The holiday season is upon us and we could not be more excited! The first holiday of the season has passed and we have yet again eaten our body weight in turkey and apple pie. Along with giving thanks while stuffing our faces, many of us experienced our first round of college questions asked by various relatives. But now the second round is fast approaching! We will soon be leaving our Bucknell bubble for winter break and entering back into the real world for five weeks. FIVE WEEKS! For those of you who did not absorb that, we are away from school for more than a month with no schoolwork, no supers and no responsibilities.
Instead of just spending your hours lounging around the house having staring contests with your dog, think about getting up and giving back to your community! Many people around the world are not fortunate enough to be joyful during the holiday season. Each day, once a week or even just once over break, try to express your gratitude by spreading some holiday cheer! Here are four worthwhile and rewarding ways to spend your time over the holidays:
- Volunteer
Whether it’s working at a soup kitchen or delivering presents to families that couldn’t otherwise afford them, volunteering is one of the best ways to spend your time. Not only does this act affect the lives of the many people and families, it also gives you a sense happiness that is unlike anything else! So get out there and make sure your community has a joyful holiday!
- Spend Time with Family
Family is one constant that hopefully you can rely on. So, over break it is important to take the time to really pay attention to your loved ones. Instead of constantly going out with your friends or typing on your phone, ask your relatives to go to dinner or play a board game. They will appreciate it and the time spent with them will be more valuable and worthwhile than you can possibly imagine.
- Get Coffee with Former Teachers
Past teachers LOVE to hear about the great things their former students are accomplishing in college. Show your gratitude for them by taking them out to coffee and share all of the amazing things you are experiencing! You’ll also get to view your teachers in a whole new light.
- Do Something for YOU
All semester you have been working your a** off and break is the time to reward yourself. Whether it is learning a new language, teaching yourself how to cook or becoming more physically active, try to set a goal for yourself over break and strive for it. You’ll come back to school with new life skills that will stick with you forever!
Lastly, in the famous words of Buddy the Elf, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!”