Opinion
Jumping into the holiday spirit, tips on how to be more jubilant
December 2, 2011
Thanksgiving is now over and people are turning their calendars over to December. That’s right, it’s the holiday season! It may only be the second day of December with Christmas still a ways off, but why not get in the holiday spirit for the entire month? I highly recommend, no matter what holiday you celebrate this season, that everyone has some spirit. It makes life a little more enjoyable and all of your end-of-semester projects a little more bearable.
The first small way to get in the spirit is by simply tuning your radio to some Christmas music. Listen to it while you are doing homework or as an alarm to wake up. It is sure to brighten spirits and get us excited for the festive season upon us. Anything from Nat King Cole’s classic rendition of “The Christmas Song”, to Michael Bublé’s brand new Christmas CD is sure to have you singing along. I am sure some people on campus would disagree with me, but my philosophy is that it is never too early to start listening to Christmas music. It is one of the happiest times of the year, and it is important to live a happy life, right?
Another way to get into the holiday spirit this season is by baking cookies. Whether you are crafty and always make homemade chocolate chip cookies or you get your coat and buy a few packages from Econo, it is something you can do year round, but it is especially enjoyable in this happy season. The aroma of cookies baking in the oven is one of the best aromas and makes your mouth water. It is always entertaining to make far too many cookies just for the fun of it. After all, you can deliver them to other people on your floor or your friends and you will be loved forever. The giving of cookies goes a long way! Not to mention they smell and taste delicious, even if you have one too many. Indulge yourself this season.
A huge part of the holiday season is all the shopping. Maybe you are like me and would rather sleep in on Black Friday. That’s OK; you have the entire holiday season to shop for gifts, cookies and decorations! I would much rather sleep in when I do not have to wake up early and avoid the angry crowds trying to be the first to get all the deals. I would rather take my time, later in the afternoon, and enjoy the company of family and friends and pick out exactly what I need. When you are not rushing to get the latest deals, shopping is so much less stressful and can actually be really fun.
Decorations are sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Maybe you are a little sad because a huge Christmas tree will not fit in your dorm room or it is a fire hazard. Fear no more! If you want a Christmas tree in your room, miniature, fake trees are plentiful in many stores. They will fit perfectly in your room and you won’t have to worry about it being a fire hazard. Lights are also fun to put up, with their bright colors. Don’t be afraid to spice things up a little bit. Go crazy. Decorating is a huge part of the season, and it is a great source of bonding with your family or your roommate.
Keep a few of these pointers in mind all month long. When you are feeling down from all the overwhelming projects, papers, and exams, give yourself a break and get in the holiday spirit! After all, you only live once. Make the best out of this season.
Cristin Dempsey is an English major and music minor from Eagan, Minn. She enjoys writing, playing the flute and swimming. After college she would like to pursue a career as an editor.