It just started snowing, which means that winter is quickly approaching! While there are some great things about this time of year, such as holidays, breaks, and fun in the snow, this weather also represents final exam season. Here are some quick traditions that will help you keep your spirits up throughout these last few weeks of classes. Always remember that, although studying is important, your mental and physical health are important too!

Lights

I didn’t realize how important Christmas lights were until I moved to the Northeast, where the sun literally goes down at 4:00 during the winter. If you decorate your room with lights, you won’t feel as though you are spending your entire life in darkness. There are so many different types of cute lights and you can get creative with a variety of different colors and shapes! There are some really cheap lights on Amazon, and many stores sell them during this time of year. Your lights will also remind you that there are always bright spots, even in dark times(finals season).

Arts and Crafts

Remember making paper snowflakes when you were little? Why not decorate your room with cute handmade arts projects? There are a lot of cute, simple, and extremely cheap arts and crafts projects that you can do with your friends in order to personalize your room. Take a study break and make a hand Santa or use markers to make signs. It’ll make you feel like a kid again! You can also find crafting kits at places like Michaels if you need a little more direction.

Blankets and Fuzzy Sweaters

If you live in a cold climate, you know that winter is coming, so take out your blankets and fuzzy sweaters! You’ll stay cozy and your room will feel more like home since you won’t constantly be freezing. Also, you may end up bringing your blankets out in public with you to spend quality time in the library or dining hall, and that’s totally okay!

Gifts

It’s the season of giving, and it’s always fun to exchange gifts with your friends. There are a lot of different ways that you can exchange gifts, including a white elephant swap, secret Santa, or straight up giving presents to your friends. However, don’t forget that you can also give the gift of your time and your patience. This can be a really stressful time for many people, and doing a random act of kindness can really brighten someone’s day. Simply being there for your friends can make a big impact. Especially in college, there is no need to worry too much about getting everything on your wishlist; treasure the memories and the friendships that you have. This should not add extra stress to you; it is a nice way to have fun with your friends and it gives you the time to take a study break.

These are just a handful of ways that you get into the holiday spirit while you’re at school. Remember that your physical and mental health are more important than exams! There are only a few more weeks left until winter break, and that is the light at the end of finals season!