I don’t know if you’re like me, but I’m done with exams the Tuesday of finals week and have to stick around through Friday. Since I realized this, I’ve been wracking my brain on what I’m going to do those extra three days! This is what I’ve come up with:
- Cambria Christmas Festival
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The fastest way to get into the holiday spirit post-finals this season is to head on over to the Cambria Christmas Market! At this market, there is live music, carollers, train rides, Christmas Dinner, an artisan market, a beautiful display of lights, and opportunities for you to take pics with Santa Claus. The festival runs from November 29 to December 23, and tickets can be purchased here.
- Hike to the Madonna Tree
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Living in SLO, it doesn’t really get cold here, so that means it’s always a great time to hike. Hiking is a great way to get out of your head, especially after a stressful quarter, and it is something you can do alone or with friends. Luckily the hike up Madonna even gets itself in the holiday spirit during this season by putting up a 55 feet lighted Christmas tree at the top of its peak. The hike is always open, but the best time to see the tree is at night, so bundle up, grab your flashlight, and make your way on up!
- Madonna Inn
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If you decide to hike up to the Christmas tree, then on your way down you should warm up inside the Inn itself! The establishment decorates its already cutesy interior for the holidays, and what is better after a hike then a nice cup of cocoa? Grab a slice of their famous cake too for me! ;)
- Bake Some Holiday Treats
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Chances are, since it’s finals week, you’ll be spending a good chunk of your time alone because your friends will have tests to take. Something great to do by yourself is bake! Baked goods are also a perfect pairing with the holiday season. And, it’s a bonus if you have friends stressed with studying; I’m sure they’d love you a little extra if you surprise them with something sweet.
- Make Christmas Cards
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Another nice thing to do for your friends during finals weeks is making them a card to tell them how much they mean to you. This is a nice crafting activity you can do alone, and it is a great way to send holiday love and cheer to your loved ones. This is also a fun chance to gather up your roommates and take a goofy pic to send out with cheesy Christmas framing.
- Go to the Beach
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A perk of living in California and living so close to the coast is that we get to fulfill the stereotype of always being at the beach. Even though it is a bit chillier outside than your ideal beach day, it is still nice enough weather to go for a walk along the water and embrace the sound of the waves. Just remember a jacket!
- Finish That Last Minute Holiday Shopping
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If you’re like me and are a master procrastinator, TAKE THIS TIME TO GO OUT AND FINALLY FINISH YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING. That way, once you’re home, you don’t have to worry about it and can actually have a real break. San Luis Obispo’s downtown is full of great shops, and you can find a gift for anyone there, even that cousin you rarely talk to or your weird uncle.
- Binge all the Netflix
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After a busy quarter, you’re probably seriously behind on some Netflix binging. Take this week to chill in bed in your comfiest PJ’s and watch some of the newest Hallmark-esque Netflix originals like “Let it Snow” or the highly anticipated third installment of the Christmas Prince Series, “The Royal Baby.” For all you Disney addicts out there, check out the new Disney+ streaming service to watch some major throwbacks like “Hannah Montana” and “Wizards of Waverly Place” and for some new content (did you say High School Musical reboot?).
- Catch Up On a Good Book
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I don’t know about you, but I love nothing more than taking the holiday break to take a break from school … and required reading by reading for pure enjoyment. Grab a good book, relax your mind this week, and read something your professors didn’t assign you.
Did I forget something? Comment below how you like to spend your finals week when you have no tests!