Yes, it’s only November, but December 1st is fast approaching. So, break out your garland and desktop Christmas trees because were about to discuss how to do the holiday season college style.
1. Drive by and look at all the beautiful Christmas lights around your neighborhood.
You obviously can’t hang your own lights because 1. thats your parent’s job and 2. you don’t have that kind of money for your electric bill, so you should go enjoy the twinkle lights and tacky plastic reindeer of the people who can afford them!
2. Do a “Secret Santa” with your roommates.
This way, you can save your money by only getting a gift for one person!
3. Volunteer with your friends.
Going to a homeless shelter or food drive is a great thing to do any time of the year, but especially around the holidays. Grab your gang and go help those who are less fortunate because in reality, being a “broke college student” isn’t all that bad.
4. Watch Christmas movies.
When it’s a cold, snowy Saturday afternoon and you and your friends are lounging on the couch, throw on a Christmas movie and get cozy. Netflix has a pretty good variety, and don’t forget about ABC Family’s “25 Days of Christmas”!
5. Get a mini Christmas tree.
Believe it or not, you can find a 5’6″ pre-lit Christmas tree for under $50. Split the price with your roomies, and your house will feel a little bit more like home.
6. Throw an ugly sweater party.
Nothing screams holiday season in college like an ugly sweater party. Hunt through your closet for your ugliest sweater, and pair it with the cheapest vodka you can find. What a joyful time of year.
7. Make a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes.
Although my roommates aren’t allowing me to start playing Christmas music until Decemeber hits, I’ve already begun making my playlist and listening to it alone. When December hits and you’re back at school for finals, you should be blasting Mariah Carey until you head home for winter break.
8. Go ice skating.
Gather up some friends and head to a local outdoor ice rink. During the holidays, these are everywhere! It can make for a fun day with your friends, and someone is guaranteed to fall.
9. Play in the snow.
Here in the Northeast, it’s no surprise we get pummeled with 5 feet of snow every winter. But getting snowed in means something different in college towns. I can distinctly remember driving through my neighborhood full of other college students last year, and watching them sled off of the roofs their houses into mounds of snow. Why? Because our parents would never let us do something so dangerously fun. But, they’re not here so here we go.