We all look forward to Winter Break, when we no longer have to stress about schoolwork and demanding extracurricular activities. After spending a few days on the couch binge-watching your favorite T.V. shows, you may find yourself counting down the days until school begins again. These activities will allow you to soak up every day of Winter Break before school resumes.
1. Get Busy Baking
With more free time on your hands, spend your time in the kitchen baking some delicious holiday treats. Is there a recipe that you have wanted to try that you finally have the time for? Are you searching for the perfect holiday gift to give to a neighbor? Make some classic holiday treats including gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark.
2. Organize Your Closet
We are all guilty of holding onto clothes that we haven't worn for years. Winter Break is the perfect time to get rid of clothes you no longer have the need for and make room for new things in the coming year.
3. Volunteer At A Local Shelter
The holidays are all about giving, and Winter Break is the time to help those who are less fortunate. Local homeless shelters are constantly in need of volunteers, especially during this busy time of the year. Whether it be preparing dinner for a local homeless shelter or spending a day at a nearby animal shelter, volunteering during the holidays is always an extremely rewarding experience.
4. Read Over The Winter Holidays
I can't remember the last time I read a book for pleasure and not one for a class. Fall back in love with reading over the holiday break. There's nothing quite like cuddling up on a couch while quickly turning the pages of a book that you're completely invested in.
5. Try A New Restaurant In Your Town
Have you had your heart set on trying a new coffee shop? Or, have you been waiting to try a new restaurant with your family? Check out local restaurants and venture out into your neighborhood.
6. Clean Out Your Backpack
I can't be the only student guilty of a messy backpack. During the busy school week, I rarely find the time to organize and often leave gum wrappers, broken pens and pencils, and loose papers that accumulate over time. Winter Break is a time for a fresh start, and this can start with cleaning out your bag.
7. Reflect And Set New Goals
Winter Break is a great time to get a head start on your goals for the new year. Taking the time to reflect on the past few months of school and areas you can improve in can benefit you in the spring semester. Goals do not have to solely relate to school. Challenge yourself to establish goals for your happiness, personal life, productivity, and more.
8. Discover A New Hobby
Hobbies give us something to do and something to be passionate about. Having hobbies, whether it be cooking or knitting, to turn to during difficult times can help ground yourself. Along with teaching you new skills and challenging you to try new things, developing a new hobby can be fun and cure your boredom over Winter Break.
9. Enjoy A Movie Marathon
It wouldn't truly be Winter Break without watching an endless amount of television. To kick up the festivities, watch all the Christmas movies you can. Whether you're in the mood for a comedy or romantic movie, there are tons of Christmas movies, both classics and new releases, out there that will undoubtedly get you into the holiday spirit. Enjoy a cozy movie marathon while sipping on some hot chocolate and snacking on some holiday treats.
By far, taking the time to relax and unwind during Winter Break is crucial to feeling refreshed and ready for the upcoming semester. Prioritize doing the things that make you feel your happiest over the holiday break. This will, of course, look different for everyone, but regardless of what activities fill you up with the most joy, enjoy this break from school and your hectic schedule to the fullest.
