How To Heat Up Your Holidays

The first semester is over, and the stress from finals is fading away as you sit at home wondering what you are going to do over break to make it memorable. Here are a few suggestions for what you can do to heat up your holiday season based on what you miss most about William and Mary:
 
1.Unlimited Free Cider
Don’t try to hide it, we all know you are suffering cider withdrawal! Easiest solution? Make it at home! I brought home my cider mug from Colonial Williamsburg and I continue to use it even though I can’t stroll through Merchant’s Square while waiting for it to cool. Your local grocery store most likely sells some that you can heat up in the microwave. And if you are looking to make your cider extra special, try making these apple cider donuts from Williams Sonoma!
 
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/spiced-cider-doughnuts.html?cm_src=RECIPESEARCH
 
2. Wren Ten
I know our fabulous a capella groups have no comparison, but if you are in the mood for some good tunes get tickets for the GLEE concert that’s coming to D.C. For those of you in Jersey or Connecticut, make another trip to the Big Apple for the Trans Siberia Orchestra or the MacaBeats. Don’t have that kind of time or money? Tune in and watch Lady Gaga and Justin Beiber perform live for New Years (as well as 40 other hit artists). You could also get kids in your neighborhood to go caroling with you!
 
3. Tribe Pride
Who doesn’t miss the loud, crazy atmosphere of a W&M football or basketball game?
Take a road trip with friends to the Patriot Center at George Mason University and cheer on our basketball team in January. If you REALLY miss the ‘burg, you can go watch a home game and bring ten other guests for free!
 
http://www.patriotcenter.com/events/index.php?month=1&year=2012
 
4. Volunteering
Nothing feels better than giving back to your community over the holidays, and now you can devote even more time to volunteering without worrying about papers or exams! Wrap gifts for a homeless shelter, or sing at a children’s hospital. Check your local volunteer programs, or even ask your elementary school if they need any help.
 
http://www.volunteermatch.org/ 
 
 
5. Friends
Whether you’re hanging out with new friends, or old friends, nothing says “Happy Holidays” like an ugly sweater party! Borrow something out of your parent’s closet, or make your own with iron on stickers and puffy paint slapped onto an old sweatshirt. Or, do a horrible gift exchange where everyone brings a simple or tacky gift (like toothpaste or a cheap tie) but it has to look professionally, or elegantly wrapped and people exchange the gifts based on how it looks.
 
http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/ugly-christmas-sweaters-461208
 
http://www.purpletrail.com/partytrail/holiday_parties/christmas/gift-exchange-ideas-for-you-holiday-party
 
Happy Holidays from Her Campus! See you in the Spring!