As the holiday season takes a hold, find ways to make each and every day more magical than the last
By NATALIE SALTER—arts@theaggie.org
With a shower of golden leaves and a stretch of rainy days, fall has at last transformed into winter. December in particular is a special time of the year for many, as it brings the holiday season which is so widely beloved. But with its cold, class-filled days, you might need a touch of extra work to make this year’s final month as wonderful as it ought to be. If you’re in need of a little inspiration, look no further.
There are plenty of classic winter activities worth taking advantage of this year. Ice skating is especially fun with friends, a classic December sport that is enjoyable for beginners and pros alike. If you’re really ambitious about your cold-weather exploits, you can drive up into the mountains for some authentic skiing and sledding amidst a snowy wonderland. If your taste in activities is decidedly less physical, bundle yourself up in your favorite sweater and scarf and take a walk around Downtown Davis with a few friends, perhaps with hot chocolates in hand and an eye open for any holiday decorations.
Unfortunately for any stress-free dreams you may have for December, not only is it the chiefest of holiday months, but it is also finals season. Combined with dreary, cold weather and a general gloom amongst students cramming for their big exams, you’ll need to take care of your mental health more than ever. One of the best ways to do so is finding ways to make the necessary — in this case, the slew of term papers and study guides you might find yourself saddled with come mid-December — more delightful. Pack your bags and find a cozy seat in a local cafe or restaurant of your choice, and combine your studies with a sweet treat or a steaming hot beverage to ease the load.
Speaking of hot beverages, there’s no time like December for the wonderful treat of hot chocolate. It’s a staple of the season which can be personalized in countless ways. Many stores, including every college student’s beloved Trader Joe’s, offer different flavors of hot chocolate for every preference. Flavored marshmallows and candy canes are also a clever way to inject a burst of flavor into an already-delicious drink.
One of the coziest activities for cold days — and one that comes with a tasty result — is baking. Cookies are one of the easiest and most fun things to make in your free time. While the possibilities are endless, you can celebrate the season by making sugar cookies and decorating them as festively as you’d like. Sugar cookies can be formed into a variety of fun shapes and frosted in any color. You’re limited only by your imagination, and what you make can be shared with your loved ones as a thoughtful and adorable gift.
After a long day of classes in the frigid and t seemingly never-ending rainy weather, you’ll likely come back home feeling more than a little bedraggled. Treat yourself to a long, hot shower or bath to shake off the cold, then get into your favorite pajamas and indulge in all your self-care favorites. Lotions and balms can help soothe any dryness you might be victim to this winter. A classic holiday film or a cheesy seasonal romance novel can help you unwind with festive flair. And, if you haven’t had the chance to get in touch with friends or family at home, a cold December evening is the perfect time for a video call to catch up and spend quality time together.
Once finals come to its long-awaited end and winter break is finally free to begin, you deserve to ring in the occasion with some gifts for yourself. Whether you’re doing some last-minute holiday shopping for your loved ones or just feel inclined to reward your own hard work, there’s no better time to buy yourself that item you’ve wanted for forever. Plus, it’s a useful way to motivate yourself to study hard for your exams. Though finals are far from enjoyable, it’s the little things like these that make them at least bearable, and the month altogether as full of joy as it ought to be.
Written by: Natalie Salter—arts@theaggie.org
