It’s the same every year: the clock strikes midnight on October 31 and suddenly, the holiday season has arrived. The days grow shorter, the air feels crisper, and schoolwork starts to pile up. It can feel like you need to give yourself that extra push just to stay on top of everything.
That’s why, in a month like November, I think it’s the perfect time to lean into romanticizing your life — and the season itself. For me, that means finding little ways to bring festive cheer into my days, whether that’s through cozy treats, small acts of kindness, or simple preparations for the celebrations ahead. Be it Christmas, Hanukkah, or any tradition that makes this time of year feel special.
So, here’s my personal compiled list of things that help me get through the season.
- Watch One Festive Movie Per Week.
-
I recommend making a list of all the festive movies that you want to watch this holiday season. This may include all-time classics (Home Alone, of course) and movies that you have yet to watch. It’s good to include a variety: classics, 90s comforts, and cheesy Hallmark movies.
- Wear Cute Winter Accessories.
-
Rule of thumb: accessories elevate any look — especially in the winter. Say you’re wearing a basic outfit (classic white top and jeans), if you throw on some ear muffs, your favorite cozy scarf, and some of my personal favorites, fingerless gloves, you’re one step closer to romanticizing the holiday season!
- Make a Winter Playlist.
-
I feel like this is the ultimate romanticization tactic. The best part is, you can do it all from your bed! For me, I choose a cute cover photo by typing something along the lines of ‘winter aesthetic’ on Pinterest, upload that to my Spotify playlist, and then start adding any songs.
- Have a Good Sleep Routine.
-
This is vital, and something that I’m still in the process of trying to nail down. As a night owl and someone who wakes up on the later side, I want to work on waking up around 8 a.m. every morning so I can make the most of the daylight. If you’re anything like me and struggle with this, try having something you can look forward to. Your morning coffee, perhaps?
- Try the Starbucks Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha.
-
Very specific, I know. But I was at Starbucks the other day, and as someone who always sticks with my usual vanilla latte, I decided to spice things up. I’m normally not a fan of seasonal drinks; to be honest, I find them too sickeningly sweet. But this one got me hooked.
- Walk Around Boston, and Look at the City Lights.
-
Romanticizing winter doesn’t have to be expensive. I was on campus this past week, and squealed when I saw the Christmas lights around the tree trunks in front of the GSU. There’s something so simple yet magical about seeing these lights. It’s like the official declaration.
I encourage you to reflect on what brings you joy during November and ways that you can incorporate this into your daily life.
Want to keep up with HCBU? Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, check out our Pinterest board, watch us on TikTok, and read our latest Tweets!