Finals drive us insane, it’s plain and simple. The papers, presentations, projects and exams build up and suddenly we are putting on our underwear inside out and screaming at a stranger because they’re sitting at YOUR chair in the library (or is that just me?). We become so consumed with the stress of finals that we often lose our holiday spirit. No longer can we see the light at the end of the tunnel, and Christmas starts to feel further away then ever. It’s hard knowing 25 days of Christmas is on and feeling like everyone else is out decking the halls while you’re stuck in a cubicle for 12 hours straight working on not one, not two, but three papers you have due the next day. Here’s some tips on how to keep the Christmas spirit alive during finals week:
- Make a Holiday playlist
Whether it be Mariah Carey, Michael Buble, or JBeibz, make a playlist of all your holiday jams and listen to them while you’re studying, showering, or just hanging out. Nothing is more cheerful than listening to your all-time favorite holiday songs. While you’re at it, why not take a break and have a Christmas music dance party with your roommates? Not only will these songs get you in the holiday spirit, they will also make you happy and less stressed for the time being about all the work you have. Why cry while writing a paper when you can sing Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer twelve times on repeat?
- Watch a Christmas movie
Take time for yourself and sit down to watch your favorite holiday movie with your friends. Some good holiday movie choices are The Grinch, The Polar Express, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and of course, Elf. And yes, you can afford that hour and a half out of your busy schedule to relax and dive into the world of Buddy then Elf. Make your friends relax with you, grab a glass of wine if you want, and while you’re at it, eat some holiday snacks. That leads me to the next point… festive eating.
3. Turn your stress eating into festive eating
We all know how eating during finals go, and it’s not pretty. Instead of your go-to finals snacks, choose to eat your favorite holiday snack. Not only will it get you in the Christmas spirit, it’s an excuse to treat yo’self. Make some hot cocoa or the pillsbury cookies that we all love (but please for the love of God don’t burn them), and if you don’t feel like making them, then just buy them!
4. Decorate your room/dorm/apartment
It may take a little time, but decorating your room is totally worth it. After a stressful day of studying and your brain essentially melting into pieces, it is so nice to come back to a festive room with Christmas lights, a decorated tree (even if it’s little!), and decorations all around. If you’re ballin’ on a budget and can’t buy decorations, make them yourself! We all know how to make paper snowflakes thanks to fourth grade art class, and if you really want to get crafty try making a christmas tree out of your beer cans from last weekend (it’s cuter than you think). Not only will it be nice to come back to a festively decked out room, it will also remind you a little of home and how soon you will be able to enjoy your real christmas tree and decorations at home, without the stress of school!
5. Don’t miss out on Holiday events on campus
Although you are swamped with work, taking some time and attending the holiday events on campus are a must. Cherish your remaining time here at Stonehill and go and take advantage of all of the offerings, whether it be the Holiday Bingo or the Surround Sound holiday concert, go while you can! Once we are out in the real world, we might not have the option, and what fun is that? The work will always be there but these fun get togethers and activities will be gone before you realize. Make every moment count and go partake in fun events that will take your mind off all the work you have, while reminding you of what magic awaits when you get home (pssst… I’m talking about CHRISTMAS!).