The holiday season is a strange combination of hospitality and hostility. What should be cause for celebration is often an excuse for anxiety, depression, or domestic violence. These can be difficult times for anyone, especially for students who aren't taking classes online, and can’t spend time with their families because they're away at school (maybe for the first time).
If you’re feeling blue over the holidays, or even if you’re excited to start your own holiday traditions, here are five tips for getting into the spirit.
- Be Active!
Colder weather is no reason to stay inside. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors all year round. Go for a walk through a quiet neighborhood or wade through the snow in a park. If you live in warmer climates, get out of town and go for a hike. Of course, if there’s a blizzard outside or the wind is knocking you off your feet, maybe it’s best to watch a movie.
- Be Creative!
A big part of the season is decorations. Certain color schemes and objects automatically make people think of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day... so put a little color in your life! If it’s covering your room in streamers and stickers or just one silly decoration (a Charlie Brown Christmas tree or a leg lamp, perhaps), you can always put your own personal touch on the holidays.
- Be Crazy!
If you’re already missing your grandma’s pumpkin pie or your mom’s waffles on Christmas morning, the holidays are the perfect time to try something new. Sing karaoke in a sushi restaurant! Learn how to line dance! Getting drunk with new friends and doing something spontaneous is the perfect way to make new holiday memories.
- Be Friendly!
Speaking of friends, everyone could use a few more! No matter what your mood for the holidays, chances are that someone else feels the same way. There’s a million ways these days to connect with people who share your interests. Have a party and invite those classmates you’ve never really met or spend time with the roommate you’ve barely seen this semester. You might accidentally make a lifelong friend.
- Be Helpful!
Sometimes the best cure for feeling depressed is to get out of your own head. If partying just isn’t fun right now, or you don’t feel like doing anything at all, try volunteering. Homeless shelters, nursing homes, and hospitals could always use extra help over the holidays. Donating a few hours of your time may lead to new friendships or opportunities. After all, isn’t the holiday season really about giving and sharing?
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