Home for the Holidays: Spring Break Edition

Temperatures are creeping above freezing, the sun has won it's often-hopeless battle with the Syracuse clouds a few days in a row, and patches of grass are popping up amidst the slush and snow. Spring is certainly on its way, and with spring, of course, comes spring break. Cold drinks, hot weather, even hotter coeds - ever undergrad waits all year for this week of sun-soaked bliss.

The Facebook countdowns until Florida, Puerto Rico, and Acapulco are wonderful for those students who will be living the spring break dream. For the ones who are just heading home, it forces a forlorn look at the sunglasses we can't remember why we even brought to Syracuse and Google searches for cheap tanning places. But don't throw in the beach towel just yet - you can still have a fun and relaxing spring break without exotic vacation plans.

Act like a tourist. It's probably been a while since you've been home, and even longer since you've really explored your hometown. Pretend you're a tourist and check out a new restaurant, a park, any place you haven't been in a while. You might think there's nothing to do in your town, but if you dig a little deeper you might be pleasantly surprised.

Have a bonfire. Nothing says summer like a campfire. Gather up your friends, your family, your beta fish, whoever's around, and light a fire. If the weather is cold, just bundle up under sweatshirts and blankets - nothing should stand between you and smores!

Have a theme night. Who says the girl from your math class on vacation in Hawaii has to be having more fun than you? Have your friends come in bathing suits, blow up some beach balls, buy some strawberry daiquiri mixers and blast the Beach Boys. Or go for a Cancun vibe with Mexican food, beer, and salsa music!

Go to the park. Just stay with me on this one. When was the last time you swung on a swing or slid down the slide? Bring a friend, a frisbee, and a picnic and make an afternoon of it. You'll feel refreshed and relaxed in no time.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day. St. Patty's Day is right in the middle of break, so take advantage of it! If you live close enough to NYC, head into the city for the day for the parade. If you don't, make green Jell-O shots, decorate with four-leaf clovers galore and let loose!

Surprise your parents at work. You don't get to see your parents much, so why not pay them a surprise visit while they're out working to pay your $50,000 SU bill? Bring a lunch to share or a couple of Dunkin' Donuts coffees. You'll feel good about yourself, your mom or dad will love you, and you may get some extra cash before you head back to 'Cuse.