It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! (Sort of)
By: Caitlin Manahan
Christmas is a time of excitement and happiness. The season is full of holiday parties, cookie baking, gift wrapping, tree decorating, and special memories. However, nothing kills the vibe more for a college student in mid-December than having finals to cram for. All you want to be doing is preparing for the big holiday, but you have to get to the finish line of Semester One first. Here are a few ways you can (jingle bell) rock your final exams and not be a Scrooge at the same time.
Turn Up the Christmas Music
If you want to listen to the Christmas classics, try piano covers of all of the greatest hits of the season that will keep you in a festive mood during deep concentration in the library. Spotify has a playlist called, “Christmas Peaceful Piano” and Apple Music has an album called, “The Best Christmas Piano Album.” Both of these outlets will be sure to satisfy your Christmas musical needs as you are in memorization mode.
Sip on Holiday Drinks
If you find yourself craving caffeine with the late nights of studying, try grabbing a holiday beverage at a local coffee shop. Among the most well-known, Starbucks is currently selling a Caramel Brulée Latte, a Chestnut Praline Latte, an Eggnog Latte, and a Gingerbread Latte just to name a few. Dunkin Donuts’ holiday menu includes a Peppermint Mocha and a Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte. Sometimes even a coffee that tastes like Christmas can not only wake us up, but put us in a happier mood that will motivate us to continue on with our finals preparation. Remember to grab a gingerbread cookie while you’re at it!
Look at Nostalgic Photos
If you find yourself daydreaming of being at home for the holidays when you should be studying, try making the wallpaper of your computer or phone a picture of your decorated house, Christmas tree, or your family on Christmas. This will help curb your distraction by not allowing you to daydream during studying about how great it is to be home, when you can get several glimpses of it while you are making your study guides. Once you’re actually home, you can relax and remember how your hard work paid off!
Take Study Breaks
Remember to take breaks during studying. Whether you are doing Secret Santa gift exchange or simply spending time with your friends, take the time off to appreciate the people that are around you in the present moment since you will not see them until after the holidays. Study breaks maintain study performance and will increase your focus and reduce stress.
Grab a Study Buddy
Christmas is the season of giving. If you are understanding the material for a class better than your friend, or if you made a study guide that could win a Nobel Prize, share with your study group. Working with others can introduce study methods or information that you missed that could be very helpful for you for the final exam. It can also help with the loneliness that comes from sitting in cubicles on the third floor of Falvey during the holiday season.
As you can see, it is possible to be excited for Christmas and have a great work ethic for final exams. Good luck on final exams and Merry Christmas everyone!
