Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year where we get to spend time with our closest friends and family members. Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone, especially for students that live far away from home. If this sounds like you, fret not, my dear! I have collected my little tips and tricks that hopefully will make this Christmas a bit better for you.
Focus on planning things ahead, it’s only for a few weeks! When you are prepared mentally and emotionally, you will not feel as overwhelmed or stressed with everything going on around you when the Christmas spirit fully kicks in.
Watch your favorite Christmas movies! They are a good distraction from the stressful holiday, but also just a cozy Christmas activity, preferably enjoyed snuggled up in a warm blanket with a cup of hot chocolate. I would recommend “The nightmare before Christmas”, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, “The Muppet’s Christmas Carol” and “The Lord of the Rings” series, just because ;).
Check out what your city has to offer! Facebook is a good place for keeping up with what is happening near your area. Christmas markets, ice skating and concerts are some examples of free social activities. It is also worth checking out your local libraries and museums. They often have different types of social activities, like book and language cafes, workshops, and meet and greet with authors from far and wide.
Create a diary! Writing about your feelings is a good emotional outlet and is a very accessible and affordable hobby. You can write down all your thoughts and feelings on a napkin, for all I care, whatever works for you! What is important is the writing and reflection that you do for yourself to clear your mind.
Baking and cooking! It is a fun and relaxing activity! Goods like gingerbread cookies, Norwegian Christmas porridge, rice puffs, marzipan figurines, coconut macaroons, eggnog and mulled wine are highly recommended by the world’s health organization! (your mental health <3)
Work out! Working out brings lots of health benefits! You don’t need to be a pro athlete or a gym bro, it can be a simple low impact workout, like taking a walk to the grocery store or a set of push-ups and sit-ups. Then you can repeat the endless grocery store pilgrimage for purchasing thine sweets – calories in, calories out – the circle of life!
Call a friend on the phone! Even if it is just for a couple of minutes, hearing another person’s voice can help to reduce the feeling of loneliness and stress. You can call someone every once a week to be reminded that you are not alone in this situation.
Well, there you go! Remember that it is important that you do nice things for yourself, do not worry of other people too much, they can take care of themselves! I hope this will help you getting through the festive season, and that you have a splendid yuletide, and that Krampus does not get yo ASS! Happy Hannukah!
