Finals may be almost upon us, but don’t let them ruin your holiday spirit. Tis the season of gift giving, holiday beverages at Starbucks, and Crossett Christmas. Here are a few of my favorite holiday activities and traditions to help you get in the holiday mood:
Secret Santa
This is my all-time favorite holiday tradition. And I don’t mean the boring old secret Santa where you only get the person one gift at the end. I mean the kind where you leave them little surprises every day. This is especially fun to do when you live in a dorm, because you can leave things in people’s rooms. In my secret Santa days, some of the most memorable gifts have been a serenade from the best male singer at school, a path of yellow sticky notes leading through the dorm to a reeses pieces filled candy cane hidden on a rafter, waffles delivered in bed, pictures of hot guys in revealing Santa outfits posted all around the dorm room, and a trail of paper hearts leading from the bed all the way down the stairs and out into the snow, where a pint of Ben and Jerry’s was buried.
Make Potato Latkes
Yes, you will need a kitchen for this one. But latkes are well worth the effort. Check out this easy latke recipe. If you struggle in the kitchen, make sure to check out the Hillel Society’s Latkepalooza, where you can eat latkes and lox to your heart’s content.
The Muppets Christmas Carol
This movie is a classic. If you haven’t seen it, get on that right now. It includes hilarious one-liners, singing puppets, and a heart-warming message. This is the way Dickens’ was meant to be. For the dedicated Christmas movie watchers, make this a Christmas movie marathon. Be sure to watch classic clay-mations such as Rudolph and Santa Clause is Coming to Town.
Gingerbread House Making Contest
Buy several gingerbread house kits, and lots of supplementary candy and icing at CVS. Then gather up all your friends and split them into groups. Have a contest to see who can build the best house, but think outside the box here: you can make Noah’s arc, Hogwarts, a garage, or a yurt. Anything is fair game. Points will be awarded for creativity and aesthetics.
Go Caroling
Get your friends together and go from dorm to dorm, serenading people with your favorite Christmas carols. Take over common rooms, or invade suites and hallways. People will (hopefully) enjoy a little spreading of holiday cheer what with finals looming over all of our heads. Feeling particularly festive? Make your caroling group wear matching Santa hats.
Happy Holidays!