As finals pass us by and we get ready for the holidays and the new year, some students are preparing to start a new academic year instead of a new semester. Those of us whose calendars run a little differently often get forgotten about when it comes to senior trips, plans, and other graduation activities. As a Fall 2026 senior, here’s my full list of things to do this winter break to make it feel like a summer break before starting your senior year.
- Working and Saving
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Those of us who are full-time students and full-time employees also feel overlooked, especially during breaks. If you’re working full-time over winter break, that’s totally fine. Working to pay the bills is just as important as having a little fun this holiday season.
Personally, I’m going to be working about 50% of this break to make sure my bills are paid, and I have some extra cash to have some fun with. Balancing responsibilities isn’t always glamorous, but it’s real, and it deserves recognition.
- Reading (And Other Hands-On Hobbies)
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During the academic semester, picking up a book feels exhausting. Between projects, homework, textbooks, and academic readings, words start to look like hieroglyphics. If school has left you too burnt out to read during the academic semesters, I definitely feel your pain. With this month off, maybe find some time to pick up a book and reignite that spark.
Reading isn’t just a hobby; it’s also important to our lives as students. Keeping that ability sharp matters, and why not work out those muscles with something genuinely enjoyable? With my studying and projects behind me, I’ve already finished one modern gothic novel, and I plan to spend most of my free time reading.
I’ve also debated picking up some new hands-on hobbies like journaling, crocheting, or even a pottery class. Having hobbies or a craft gives you something to do with your time instead of mindlessly scrolling on social media, like I usually do with my free time during classes. Find a hobby, find a passion, and go with it. You’ll notice a little bit more happiness in your day-to-day activities when you do. Maybe you can even make some holiday gifts for a few special people in your life.
- Visiting Family
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Speaking of the holiday season, make sure you set aside some time for your loved ones. The nature of this time of year tends to make us more family-focused, and it’s important to lean into that when we can. While we may be adults focusing on our future careers, we have to make some time for those quiet cheerleaders in the background: our families and closest friends.
Get those holiday presents together, go to the family party, bake cookies with your parents like when you were younger, and let that nostalgia really hit you. Give your parents a few more memories of you doing cute holiday traditions with them, even if you’re a Grinch like I am.
- Planning With Friends
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Usually, I save plans with friends for spring break or summer, but this year looks a little different since I start my senior year in January. There are a ton of little things that you can do with your friends to celebrate winter break: holiday parties, gift exchanges, holiday movie nights, and baking.
- Short Travel Plans
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As my list comes to an end, I’ve saved my favorite tip for last. A short road trip is my favorite plan that I have for this December. A little trip like this, either with family, friends, or even alone, can be a great way to decompress before a busy senior year begins in January.
I think everyone should do a small solo road trip at some point in their life. It teaches you a little about yourself, gives you time alone to think and relax, and shows you just a little more of the world. Seeing new places is a great way to spend your time, and maybe you can find somewhere that feels like home to you.
How you spend your break, of course, is ultimately up to you. I hope that these suggestions and ideas give you something to think about and do for the holidays!
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