As finals season comes into full swing, the only solace for many students is the mental benchmark of winter break. This hiatus from the regular academic schedule arrives sooner than we realize and completely throws students back into their hometown lifestyles. Whether that’s a positive or negative experience, one thing is certain: suddenly, we have free time. Contrasting the bustling daily occurrences of running from class to class, extracurriculars, and the library, many students have the chance to take a breather.
With all this free time, there are a plethora of activities you may not have the chance to indulge in during the academic year. So rather than going on your phone and bed-rotting all break, below are a few activities that will allow you to make the most of it.
- Bake Festive Treats
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Dorm life and shared spaces don’t exactly allow one to spend hours in the kitchen to slave away at a bakery’s worth of sweet treats in peace. Being at home is the perfect opportunity to crack out the apron if you have a sweet tooth and crave the smell of freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies or double-fudge brownies. Additionally, baking is a wonderful way to spend time with family members who may share your interests. And even if they don’t, there will be plenty of people to feed with your treats.
My personal holiday favorites are pizzelles, these very thin Italian waffle cookies, and simple holiday-shaped sugar cookies.
- Movie Marathon
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Similarly, not having a TV — or at least not a personal one — may interrupt the utter relaxation that accompanies lying on your home couch for hours while watching a movie. Being at home, you have the space and time to sit down, watch your favorite movie franchises, and eat four bags of popcorn without a bother.
My recommendations are the franchise classics: Harry Potter, Star Wars, and The Lord of the Rings. You can’t beat that.
- Get Active: Ice Skating Or Trampoline Park
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Relaxation at home is positively one of the best parts of winter break. However, this free time is also a great chance to get out of the house. To make the most of the holiday spirit, head to your local ice rink with a few friends or family members, and maybe enjoy some hot chocolate afterwards. If that’s not your jam (or you can’t ice skate), try a trampoline park if your hometown has one!
This idea may sound childish, but don’t knock it until you try it. It is an enormous amount of fun, even if you are the oldest one there!
- Eat As Many Homemade Meals As Possible
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Sick of dining hall food and the occasional fast food treat? Winter break is the ultimate paradise because there is nothing like homemade meals! Not only is sitting down with your family for mealtime a wonderful way to spend time together, but it is also a joyous occasion for those ravenous for “real food.” It is literally made with love!
- Visit Old Stomping Grounds
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Being away from home for months at a time can take a toll on one’s mental health, especially if one has a strong bond to where they grew up. A helpful way to quell nostalgia is to visit your favorite local spots or places where you used to spend a significant amount of time. This can be anywhere that warms your heart: a park, restaurant, or friend’s house.
Personally, I can’t wait to visit my local Barnes & Noble and my hometown shopping mall!
- Sleep Until Noon
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There is no shame in making up the hours of sleep lost during the school year, even if it comes in the form of sleeping late into the afternoon. Seriously, college-life sleep deprivation is no joke, and with fewer early responsibilities, there is no reason not to catch up on some shut-eye.
Additionally, sleeping in your own bed, in your own room (especially if you have a roommate), can be simply wonderful in itself.
Slumber Cloud - Spend Time With Friends And Family
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Last, but certainly not least, the most important and fulfilling aspect of winter break is spending time with loved ones. Whether they are your mom and dad or your best friends from high school, there is no greater joy than sharing the holiday spirit with those who have supported you from afar.
These unforgettable moments are the ones we take for granted most often, but are crucial to making the most of your winter break.Â
 The break is approaching faster than you realize. You got this!
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