Ringing in the Holidays

As this is a blog geared toward college students, I'm sure I don't need to spend time detailing all the stresses that accompany student (read: broke) life.  But just for kicks, here's an illustration demonstrating how I usually spend my time:

The yellow portion of the chart is about to expand with the upcoming finals week.  Placed conveniently before winter break, I usually work so hard studying, forget to sleep, and make myself sick just in time for the holidays and just long enough to put off shopping until December 23rd.

Last year I felt like I didn't even register that the holidays were upon us until they were over.  As college students with a million other worries (like tweeting), sometimes it's easy to let the season go unnoticed, but there are a few easy and cheap ways to get into the holiday season.

Even if your wallet is feeling hungry, you can still "decorate on a dime."  Candy canes are inexpensive but hung up or placed around your house provide a little extra holiday cheer and a snack.

If you're like me, you don't discriminate what time of year is inappropriate to listen to Christmas music and play Jessica Simpson's Christmas album all through July (seriously it's a really good album).  Make a station on Pandora and while you're at it, bust out some classic movies or catch them on TV during ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas.

Research shows that our sense of smell is our most powerful sense.  You can create a cozy aroma in your own house without spending $35 on Yankee Candles (although if you want to by all means...as a sidenote I accept monetary donations as well as gifts in the form of candles, candy, as well as canned goods).  Add some left over orange peels and a little (or a lot, you really can't go wrong) cinnamon into a pot of water over low heat.  It'll leave your house smelling delectable for days.

There are also plenty of holiday-related events coming up on campus, including concerts, carriage rides in the arboretum, and one that I'm particularly excited about...a special screening of Love Actually at Grafton Stovall today through Friday.  Happy Holidays!

Seriously, what part of dressing as an octopus DOESN'T put you in the holiday spirit?

-SD