For myself, the holidays begin when the clock strikes 12:00 am after Halloween, no exceptions! For others, as soon as November first comes around, they start gearing down for the end of the semester, exams are the talk of the town, and suddenly no one has time to do any Winter activities. This is why I will explain how you can and should get in the holiday spirit while balancing school! By the end of this, I hope you get to enjoy a nice skate around Robson square or bake some festive desserts without feeling anxious about finals season. 

Preparing in November

In the month of November, this is when I begin performing little tasks that keep me going through the semester as a change from the same old environment really helped to boost my motivation. For me, that can look like changing my phone wallpaper to festive scenery because it reminds me to keep powering through the year as the holidays are coming soon. I also swap out my current regular candles with scents such as peppermint candy cane, vanilla sugar cookies, and the classic pine tree to really turn my environment into smelling like Santa’s workshop. Another way I begin preparing in November is by simply keeping a countdown to the last day of exams for school and a countdown to Christmas. These are the most significant pieces of motivation that keep me going because it gives me something physical to look forward to after putting in countless hours of studying. It helps me realize there is an end coming near and it will be all worth it when I can finally spend time with my friends and family surrounded by good food and even better Winter activities. 

When December rolls around

As a university student, I absolutely love when December rolls around because the campus is oh-so-pretty, especially in the evening when the world starts getting dark at 5:00 pm. If I am in need of a quick pick me up on campus, all I need to do is walk around for a few minutes and take in the beautiful Christmas lights along the SFU Convocation mall, walk past the rooftops and observe the gigantic decorated trees covered in snow, and soak in the cold crispy yet refreshing mountain air all while listening to my all-time favourite Ariana Grande Christmas EP. With my friends, this is the time of the year when the plans start rolling out in the girls' group chat. From baking cookies to snowboarding, we have it all on lock. 

Now, although some of these plans may never see the light of day, just planning a baking and movie night with them gets me in the holiday spirit. I suggest getting together with those closest to you and planning a secret Santa gift exchange! It really gets my friends and I excited to exchange Christmas wish lists and talk about what we're going to be getting for our loved ones, especially those who are impossible to shop for. The whole action of talking with friends during our study sessions really adds an element to the spirit that I definitely did not know I needed. 

Anyways, that’s all folks! It is current the day after the SFU exam period and I am wildly behind in my Holiday shopping and I have an early grey shortbread recipe desperately waiting to be baked and eaten. From me to you, I truly hope you have a relaxing and well-rested Holiday season!