Winter Break Entertainment

Finals are almost done and all you can think of is walking through your front door at home.  As soon as the car ride is over and you step into your house the big question comes up, “Now what?”. The University of Maryland is extremely generous to give us five and a half weeks off from school, but what are we supposed to do with all that time?  We have crafted a guide to help keep you entertained during those days you just don’t know what to do.
 
One great way to keep in touch with your friends from school and to give yourself something to do is to start an online book club.  Get together with your friends before you all leave for break and compile a list of books everyone is interested in reading.  Create a schedule for yourselves to decide when to read each book. 

 
Try to leave a week or two for each book depending on how busy you are during vacation.  To discuss each novel create an email or Facebook message thread.  A book club is a great way to read those books you have been pushing aside because of your work all semester.
 
Talking to your friends virtually over Facebook and text messages is nice, but seeing them in person is even better.  Once you get sick of hanging out with your friends from home, plan a road trip to visit your Maryland friends.  Martin Luther King Day weekend is the perfect long weekend during our break when most people are back at school but all your Maryland friends are home just like you. 
 
Before you get showered with presents during the holidays, take a day or two to give back to others.  There are plenty of soup kitchens and shelters that are always looking for volunteers.  An even better way to give back is waiting for you in your own home.  Go through your closet and room and clean it out from things that you don’t need or use anymore. 

 
There is most likely someone who is not as fortunate who could put an old t-shirt or sweater to good use that you have in the back of your closet.  This is a great way to clean out your things while giving back to others.
 
Once the holidays are over most people start cracking down on their new year’s resolutions.  One of the most common goals people set for themselves is hitting the gym more often and eating healthier.  While you are still at home without the stress of school, try to keep to those resolutions you set for yourself. 
 
Start a routine for yourself of making it to they gym a few times a week and eating well, something reasonable you can keep up with once you come back to school.  This will make you feel very accomplished and will give you the attitude you need to keep a healthy lifestyle at school.

 
Lastly, adding a few extra dollars to your bank account is always a happy feeling.  If you have a babysitting or waitressing job during the summer, try contacting your bosses.  Let your employer know you will be back in town and available for one of the busiest times a year.  A few hours a week will win you back all the money you spent on holiday gifts plus add a bit of cushion for the new semester ahead.
 
Winter break is a great time to relax and get school off your mind.  Hopefully these activities give you something to do when you are bored, or just looking for something new and exciting to fill your break with.