That time of year is finally upon us! The time when all us hard-working college students get to go home, and take a much deserved month vacation. But when you finally get home, have you ever faced the very annoying dilemma of: “What am I going to do with myself for a month?” After all, with our time normally being consumed by classes, homework, jobs, and extra-curricular activities for four months, it is a little weird to all of a sudden have an open schedule with nothing to do. If you have ever had this problem, I am here to help. Here are the top five ways you can make the most of your winter break this year.
Relax!
From staying up until one in the morning finishing homework, to having that terrifying “my life is over” thought when you don’t do too well on a test, to everything else in between, you’ve worked hard this semester. You deserve to take a little (or a lot) of time for yourself. Give some attention to your favorite hobbies that you’ve had to abandon for a while. Or sleep in until noon everyday just because you can. Whatever you like to do to relax, DO IT! You’ve earned it.
Spend time with your family and friends.
While you’ve been away at college, I’m sure you have missed all of your family back home. Take some time to play games and build snowmen with your younger siblings, help your family cook your holiday dinner, and sit with your mom while she looks through her cookbooks deciding which pie to make this year, just so you can be near her. And when you’re not with your family, spend some time with your friends too. Go shopping, have a sleepover, or just get some coffee and hang out. While it is vital to take some you-time this winter break, spend time with your friends and family too. Because while you’ve been missing them, they’ve been missing you too.
Go on a vacation within a vacation.
You don’t have to pull a staycation at home over break (even though this is perfectly acceptable, too, and what I will be doing). Travel to see more of your relatives or go to a resort/spa for a couple of days. Whatever you decide to do, remember that it must always go back to the cardinal rule of breaks: Relax!
Volunteer/make a donation.
Over the years, we have been drifting further and further away from what the holiday season is all about: it is the season of giving. One of the best ways to make you feel good about yourself is to know that you have made someone else’s day better. Volunteer at your local animal shelter, homeless shelter, or soup kitchen. Or you could donate some toys so less fortunate children can have something to open during the holidays. Even if it is just putting some spare pennies in a donation jar at the cash register at the grocery store, there is always at least a little something you can do to brighten someone’s day.
Work.
I know that we have all been working hard this semester and that the last thing anyone wants to do while on break is to do more work, but let’s be honest: we are in college, and college is super expensive. If you had a job in high school, see if they would be willing to give you a shift or two. Or you could see if your neighbors have any odd jobs that you can do here and there. Even though this is the season of giving, it is in our fundamental human nature to want to get things. And when you are in college, one of the best things you can get is money.
Photo/Gif Sources: http://mcunis.dearbornschools.org/2014/02/13/winter-break/ http://giphy.com/gifs/treat-yo-self-parks-and-recreation-V9zqL1ZILNTmE http://favim.com/image/1012887/ http://giphy.com/gifs/going-heres-NbX7puR9dgS2Y http://giphy.com/gifs/love-sexy-idapGvrFL4EH6 http://giphy.com/gifs/12JgIV6zAkYFbi