Browsing: holiday season

It can be easy to retreat into relaxing alone and avoiding family, but there are small and thoughtful ways to combat some hermit-like tendencies we may pick up for break. Be purposeful with your time, and be intentional with showing your family gratitude. Members of the Editorial Board have compiled their pointers on how to show love over the holiday season.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … for retailers. This Black Friday, consumers are expected to spend $148 billion on in-store and online purchases. Everyone loves Black Friday — standing in hour-long lines for a 50% discount, getting your workout in while walking through the mall and leaving with 12 bags of new outfits at 3 a.m. But are you really going to use all those appliances and wear all those clothes?

The holiday season is one of the most popular times to travel during the year. Some people try to see family who live out of town, while others are looking to watch the ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. I believe the best thing to do during the holiday season is relax and enjoy the festivities in the comfort of my own home.

Yes, it is relieving to relax and turn your brain off, but don’t forget you’re a guest wherever you’re staying — even if it’s home. Leaving for holiday breaks, you may be excited not to worry about a sink full of dishes or which roommate is going to take the trash out. That being said, be prepared to pitch in and help where possible.

When most people think of food on the Thanksgiving table, their mind goes straight to the turkey, but let’s not forget about the various types of casseroles, stuffing and potatoes. Whether the sides are made from a recipe on the back of a can or from ones passed down in the family, the food is always amazing.

At this point in the year, the combination of academics, work, internships and other school-oriented responsibilities can leave students swamped, and the light at the end of the tunnel can seem to grow frustratingly dim. Seasonal affective disorder is also coming into full swing, and it hits some people harder than others. While seasonal depression often requires more in-depth treatment, giving yourself plans to anticipate can certainly serve as a way to cope with the winter blues.