As the holiday season approaches, so does all of the end-of-semester stress — long nights of studying, final exams, and packing for a month-long break. With these stressors and without the charm of your hometown’s holiday lights or the cozy nights spent inside your family home, it can be hard to get into the holiday spirit on campus. Luckily, college is a special time when you live in close proximity to your friends — so close that they begin to feel like family. Take advantage of this by gathering up your BFFs and trying out these ways of celebrating the holidays on campus.
1. Make a holiday card with your friend group
Last holiday season, I received the cutest virtual holiday card from a group of my college friends! Getting dressed up for the photo, designing the card, and creating a list of recipients can be a fun way to bond with your friends and spread holiday cheer. Handwritten cards are also a great way to get crafty, and you can have fun slipping them underneath your friends’ doors.
2. Learn about holidays outside of your usual practices
Being on campus, there are so many educational resources at your disposal. Take advantage of that, and learn about holidays that you might not celebrate. My college often holds academic talks on the history of certain holidays, and religious programs open their doors to newcomers during this time of year.
3. Whip up a treat in your dorm
Though nothing beats homemade holiday cookies, there are plenty of easy holiday treats you can prepare in your dorm with a few ingredients and tools. You could keep it simple with microwaved hot chocolate, or get fancy with peppermint bark, puppy chow, or even a mug cake. These treats could be a yummy addition to a holiday movie marathon, by yourself or with your friends!
4. Decorate your room For The Holidays
You don’t need a six-foot-tall tree to get in the holiday spirit. There are many easy ways to decorate your room with supplies you probably already have. With some paper, tape, and scissors, you can make a paper link chain to count down the days until winter break or create a flurry of paper snowflakes. You can even use your old papers to make these crafts environmentally-friendly!