Ideas for winter break

Winter break is finally among us; free time, no alarm clocks, and zero studying. But after a week or so, sometimes break can get a bit…boring. You run out of things to do, or you just get bored doing the same old thing every day.

Now, the last thing I want is for you all to get bored over break and actually be looking forward to begin classes again in the spring, so here are some ideas of random activities that can keep you busy over break.

• When it finally starts to snow, as we know it will, build a snowman or a snow fort with your friends and family. Make sure to go outside (unless it is unsafe) when it snows; you don’t even have to leave your front yard to have a free, fun filled day.
• Take a road trip. If you have made some new friends here in college who just so happen to live in another state, make an effort to go visit them on a road trip. Try to find a few friends to go with you so you can split the price of gas money and food. Be spontaneous over break, and nothing is more spontaneous than a surprise road trip.
• Do something on your bucket list. Now, this doesn’t have to be something crazy; I am thinking more along the lines of go sky diving or bungee jumping. This might cost you a pretty penny, but it makes for a great story.
• Spend quality time with family. You’ve been gone from home for almost 4 months now…you’ve had plenty of time to hang out with your friends at school, and let me tell you, as a senior, I cherish the time I have with my family now because I don’t get to see them on a regular basis anymore.
• Volunteer. This is something that will make you feel good, along with the people you are helping. Spend a couple hours a week, or it can even be a one-time thing, at your local hospital/homeless shelter/soup kitchen, etc. There is no greater feeling of accomplishment than helping out the less fortunate.
• Host a party. This party doesn’t have to be crazy; this party should be for socializing and laughing. Have a gaming party where you play board games all night or maybe even host an ugly Christmas sweater party. Have each guest bring an item of food and you’re ready to go.
• Exercise. Now I know it’s break and you might want to take a break from the working out scene, but it is a great stress reliever and you’ll be glad you did keep up with workouts over break if you play a sport in the spring.
• Read a book. There isn’t much time at school where you can plop down for hours at a time and get lost in a great book, so break is the time to do it.
• Get a new hobby or pick up an old one. You can never have too many hobbies and it’s always fun to try new things. Whether it is, swimming, making movies, cooking, writing, crafting or shopping, take your hobby to a new level and find something you’re really dedicated to.

I know that over break many people, including myself will probably sleep for a complete day, go on a Netflix binge and finish a 6 season TV show, but it is okay to veg out over break as well, just don’t do it the whole time.

Another great thing to do over break if you have the opportunity is to get a seasonal job to make some extra money. I know that I love to work over break so that I can buy all the Christmas gifts I want for my friends and family, as well as save some of that money for when I go back to school.

No matter what you do over break whether it be any of my ideas above or not, just make sure you have fun.