By Lena Sweet | Campus News Editor
Stores are looping their holiday playlists and the aisles are lined with seasonal decorations and treats. Coffee shops are serving their annual, holiday refreshments and a wintery chill can be felt in the air. The holiday season is here, but are you ready? Sometimes, getting into the spirit of the season can be tough, especially with finals looming ahead. Here are seven fun, easy ways to remedy stress and maximize holiday cheer.
- This is probably the quickest, easiest fix on the list: turn on some holiday music! If you don’t have time to put together your own playlist, Spotify offers several holiday playlists in varying genres that can be enjoyed for free.
- Prepare some holiday treats. Bake and decorate cookies, roast chestnuts, or make hot cocoa. Throw some mini marshmallows into the mix and a candy cane for stirring. You’ll be happy you did! This slideshow from babble boasts some unique takes on hot cocoa, including a Nutella inspired mix: http://www.babble.com/babble-voices/20-yummy-ways-to-enjoy-hot-chocolate/
- Get started on your holiday decorating. If you’re stuck on thinking of dorm-friendly options, Pinterest is chock-full of them. And, if you’re working within a budget or are simply the crafty type, there are plenty of DIY ideas circulating online.
- Have a holiday movie marathon (hot cocoa and treats included). If you don’t have cable, Netflix is currently streaming several holiday films for your viewing pleasure.
- Write personalized, holiday post cards and mail them to your nearest and dearest. It’s quick, inexpensive and sure to put a smile on their faces.
- It’s always good to start your holiday shopping early, or get a jump-start on making your own gifts with some of the DIY ideas you find online. Not to mention, searching for gifts with friends presents an opportunity for a fun outing. Hit up a local coffee shop and get to shopping.
- Attend some local, holiday events and activities throughout the Newport area. Click here for a full list of options!
