You’ve survived the dreadful time between Thanksgiving break and the beginning of winter break. You have tackled adversity, feelings of burnout, confusion, and stress. You have overcome the hardest battle of anyone’s school career. Now, it’s time to celebrate your accomplishment. 

As a winter connoisseur, I believe I have assembled a fool-proof guide to winter break that, as Bryan Adams said, will make you wish it was Christmas every day. 

• Spend time with the people that you love

Winter break is often a time of loneliness as people fall victim to seasonal depression. Seasonal depression is a very common feeling, so take comfort in knowing that you aren’t alone. Take a moment to call a friend, schedule a coffee date, make festive plans, or just text someone to let you know you love them. Connecting with the people that mean the most to you during this season will help you feel less alone and will bring extra warmth to your holiday season. 

• Watch a cozy show or movie

Cozy up with a warm blanket, a burning fire, a fresh cup of hot chocolate and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a winter movie night. With so many holiday classics, there is a movie everyone can enjoy. My personal favorite is any winter episode of Gilmore Girls, Christmas Vacation, or A Charlie Brown Christmas. Whether you’re by yourself or you’ve assembled a nice group, a movie night is always relaxing and never gets tiresome. Spend quality time with yourself or with your favorite people and watch a movie that makes the season bright. 

• Embrace the winter wonderland

While there has not been a good track record for classic holiday weather this year, trust it is soon to come. Enjoy the well anticipated first fall of snow and embrace the beautiful scenery. If you’re able to travel in the white winter haven, take a trip to a Christmas tree farm, walk a snow covered path with a hot cup of coffee in your hand, and don’t forget to take cute pictures of your friends while doing it!

• Go on adventures

There are so many fun activities that are winter specific that you and your friends can embark on this holiday break. A local attraction that never fails is Christmas in the Park. Turn on your favorite Christmas playlist and take a peaceful moment to drive through the lights and soak in the nostalgic feeling. Other winter activities are ice skating, baking cookies, gingerbread house competitions, volunteering with the Salvation Army, and much more. Find an interesting and exciting event and make a day out of it!

• Make new traditions 

Now is the time to make new traditions and create lasting memories. Find an activity that your group loves to do and make it a point to repeat it every year. This can range from having a nice meal with everyone where all the guests bring a dish, watching the same movie on Christmas Eve with your family, or always getting hot chocolate before driving through Christmas in the Park. Whatever this looks like for you, embrace it fully and find enjoyment in these new traditions. 

Have a new perspective on winter break this year, I guarantee you’ll find satisfaction.