Well, we’ve made it. I believe it’s safe to say that it has been a long year, although this may be a bit of an understatement. From dealing with the regular two semesters of utter torture (and in record time no less!), juggling a student budget with the allures of capitalism, and of course the “November Hall” none of us were ever ready for. 2017 came with a pack of instructions and it’s clear that none of us bothered to read them beforehand. When we’re all starting to feel like battle-hardened warriors, mainly thanks to the police and private security, then it’s clear we need a break. Cue summer vacation: the beach, parties and part-time jobs. Personally, I’ll have none of these things. Johannesburg has no beaches, the only “parties” I attend are through the eyes of Jonathan Byers from Stranger Things, and I don’t know about you but I think I’ve worked hard enough since March. Three cheers for being best friends with your bed!
For most of us this time of the year means returning home to our families and old friends from the neighbourhood and high school (read: hell). It also means leaving your new friends behind and re-acquainting yourself with the idea of curfew for those with strict parents (or continuing to suffer with a curfew for those who do live with your parents). You haven’t run any errands in a year either, so it’s best to mentally prepare yourself for the onslaught. However, I do think this is a small price to pay for home-cooked meals rather than canned spaghetti and meatballs. Or the (in)famous two minute noodles, depending on your current relationship with them. For others, this break will provide lecture-free time to study for supplementary and deferred exams although we all know any and all studying will occur one week (tops) before the big re-write. Oh, and special shout out to those who will have to “write” a supp for philosophy – a phone call with your professor to discuss whether you’d enjoy dying or if it’s merely an illusion does not sound like my idea of a good time.
Merry Christmas to those who are celebrating. In case you weren’t sure what time of the year it is, retail stores have been spreading Santa’s joy since the day after Halloween. For me personally the switch from orange to red is rather jarring; perhaps we should have a transitional blue period, just to calm every one down before the feeding frenzy that is Christmas shopping. We already have Black Friday, I’m sure we can make room for Purple Tuesday. All stores replace their aisles with yoga mats. SmileUCT I’m sure you can make this happen.
And if you aren’t celebrating Christmas, calm down. It’s okay. I have a two-step plan for optimum Santa-less joy: 1) all you have to do is stay home and avoid all forms of radio and television, especially Universal Channel. And 2) Netflix is your best friend. Don’t forget about the occasional meal and shower in between series binges. On the bright side you will be saving water. Good luck, have fun, and see you on New Year’s Eve. As for everyone else, see you next year. Stay rested and stay hydrated. On second thoughts, maybe not…
Aluta Continua till next year!