It’s the most wonderful time of the year again! Time to spend time with the ones we love, eat amazing food, and relax. But something feels different this year; it’s bitterly cold out, and you’re stuck in the school’s library for hours a day studying for three different finals that all happen to fall on the same day. Well, fear not! I have compiled my top 10 favorite ways to get into the spirit this holiday season…even from a gloomy dorm room.
- Decorating!
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This has always been the first thing that my family and I do when making the transition from Thanksgiving to the holiday season. I highly recommend getting your Christmas tree (real or fake) a few days after Thanksgiving and decorating with all the people in your life! Turn on some holiday music and decorate to your heart’s content. Throw that tinsel, hang that mistletoe. I have found that when my space feels more festive, I feel more festive! So, for all those students stuck in the dorms for a few more weeks, I highly recommend some decor and even a little tree if your school allows it!
- Baking Sweet Treats!
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One of my personal favorite parts of the holiday season is the amazing foods we get to eat. I love anything peppermint or gingerbread flavored around the holidays to get myself in the spirit. Whether that be your school’s local coffee shop or Starbucks, it does the trick. Baking is always a great way to spend time with friends and family. I love to do Christmas cookie decorating competitions with my friends at home. Between the scents that will fill your kitchen and the cheery music, you are sure to get in the holiday mood!
- Make a Wishlist!
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If you’re anything like me, you forget to make a wishlist for the holidays and then leave your family clueless when it comes time to do their shopping. This year, I made my list nice and early. So, not only was I making life easier for my family, but I also got to get excited for the holidays! Of course, the holidays are all about spending time with family and friends, but it’s never a bad idea to have a wishlist!
- Go Shopping!
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It seems like right after Halloween is over, corporate America decides that it is the Christmas season. To get into the holiday spirit, I recommend going to your local mall and getting a head start on your holiday shopping. The stores always get super packed the closer we get to Christmas, but for me, the hustle and bustle of malls during the holiday season is a happy reminder of all the fun we have ahead of us.
- Watch Holiday Movies!
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Movies are by far my favorite way to get into the holiday spirit. Nothing beats wrapping myself in a warm blanket and watching a holiday movie with my family and friends, even better with a good cup of hot chocolate. Some of my favorites for this time of the year are Love Actually, Home Alone, The Holiday, Elf, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the animated version is superior).
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