With Halloween over and Thanksgiving just a few days away, this year is slowly coming to a close. As alarming as it may be to think about how yet another year has nearly gone by, worry not: we are officially entering the most ~wonderful~ time of the year! If you’re like me and have been dreaming of the return of holiday spirit since January 1st, the time has finally arrived! Here are seven essential ways to fully immerse in all things Christmas.
1. Start listening to Christmas/holiday music: This is a must. There is truly nothing more magical than Christmas music. Linked is my personal favorite playlist (I like the classic version, but there are a bunch of playlists with modern renditions as well).  Image Credit: https://weheartit.com/articles/321982261-christmas-music
2. Winter Candles: Candles are essential in creating a cozy winter atmosphere. I know these are technically not allowed at Brown so like… just be discreet (and careful). Anything in pursuit of the Christmas spirit.
Image Credit:Â https://weheartit.com/entry/270200115?context_query=bath+and+body+works+candle+christmas&context_type=search
3. Holiday Movies: Nothing gets me ready for the holidays like a Christmas classic. Take a break from the hectic end of the semester to have a movie night with friends. What’s better than curling up with hot chocolate and watching your holiday favorites?! Personal favorites include: ELF, Home Alone, Love Actually, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and Harry Potter (not really Christmas but it still works ok).
Image Credit:Â https://weheartit.com/entry/321981235
4.   Along with holiday movies comes holiday food: as you start to feel as if you’ve had one too many PSLs, switch to hot chocolate. (or eggnog, if you’re into that). Take full advantage of the annual return of holiday cups at Starbucks. Bonus points to those who make homemade Christmas cookies–perfect for your movie nights! Here are some tutorials – although the classic Pillsbury ShapeTM Sugar cookies are equally loved and acceptable.
Image Credit:Â https://weheartit.com/entry/321974625?context_query=christmas+cookies&context_type=search
5. Decorate your dorm: a cozy and festive dorm is necessary to get in the holiday spirit. Find a few decorative pillows and a cozy blanket or two. Get some candy canes (good for when you need a sudden sugar energy boost as well), lots of red ribbon, and perhaps a mini tree. Fairy lights are a must. Want to take it a step further? Relive your childhood and make paper snowflakes – perfect to hang from your ceiling or paste to your window to make the space look extra special.
Image Credit:Â https://weheartit.com/entry/303530727?context_query=christmas+dorm&context_type=search
6. Themed clothing: we all have that one pajama set, comfy t-shirt, or fuzzy socks that are holiday themed. Break them out! Wear them to bed. Or class. Just do it proudly :) I promise you’ll get a compliment, or at least a comment. Nature of said comment may depend on how early you decide to do this one, so maybe start with the pajamas.
Image Credit:Â https://weheartit.com/entry/321975227?context_query=christmas+socks&context_type=search
7. Above all, make sure to spend time with family and friends: at the end of the day, the holiday season is all about being with the people you love and showing your appreciation for them. Although it’s easy to get caught up in work as deadlines approach, be sure to make time to relax and focus on yourself and others you care about.
Image Credit:Â https://weheartit.com/entry/321970270?context_query=christmas+love&context_type=search
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