Finals week is the most stressful time of year, and it comes around when all you want to do is get cozy and watch a Christmas movie with a hot chocolate in hand. Instead, you’re stuck in the library for hours, wearing three layers, and trying to finish a paper while your brain slowly shuts down from the cold.
December may not be the same as it was when we were children, but with a little effort (and a lot of peppermint), you can make finals week feel festive and not soul-crushing. Here are four ways to make finals week feel more like the holiday season:
- Set The Holiday Mood While You Study
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Start with the mood. You can find hundreds of Christmas jazz playlists on YouTube, or if you don’t mind the singing, create your own holiday-themed playlist! I always feel like I’m in a cozy cafe, sitting by the fire when I do this.Â
Then transform your desk into a mini Christmas scene. You don’t need anything crazy; a simple mini tree from the dollar store, fairy lights, or paper snowflakes will instantly shift the vibe from “academic despair” to “cozy productivity.”
- Seasonal Treats As Rewards
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Studying is always easier with treats, especially seasonal ones. Think peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, or a Starbucks sugar cookie latte.Â
Break up your studying into small rewards; finish one chapter, get a snickerdoodle cookie; finish an outline, get a latte; submit the essay, take a short walk to see Christmas lights. It may sound silly, but your brain loves rewards, and trust me, it really works.Â
- Take Holiday-Themed Breaks
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Studying for three hours straight may seem productive, but you’re going to feel exhausted afterward. It’s crucial to take breaks, so why not make them holiday-themed?Â
You can watch 10 minutes of a Christmas movie, stare out the window at the snow, or walk to your local cafe for something warm. Also, switching your notes or laptop wallpaper to a holiday background can help your brain feel a small spark of joy.Â
- Plan Something Merry To Look Forward To
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Most importantly, give yourself something festive to look forward to, such as planning a post-finals celebration day. Maybe that’s spending a day outside to see what festivities Boston has to offer, like going ice skating at the Boston Common, exploring Snowport, or walking through the Boston Public Garden to see the lights.Â
You could even stay in and have a baking marathon with friends, whether that’s baking cookies, making gingerbread houses, or making hot chocolate from scratch.
May your exams be short and painless, your coffee be strong, and your study sessions be just a little more festive!
Good Luck!
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