Yes, it’s that time of year and I have to write the obligatory “don’t be a lazy bum during break” article. Winter break is a long one, lasting from the second week of December to the last week in January – that’s a lot of time to slack off, or to work, or reconnect with people.

Me? I’m probably going to be working 30+ hours a week in addition to finalizing my honors thesis. I don’t recommend that, but I do recommend not slacking off entirely.

Stay in touch.

It may seem like a minor thing, or something that shouldn’t need to be considered, but over breaks we have a tendency to become lazy about talking. I’ve gone several breaks, long and short, without hearing from my friends here at LMC, and it saddens me because I like my friends.

With all the technology surrounding us, it is incredibly easy to keep in touch. A text message takes only seconds to write and send. A simple “Hey, hope your break’s going great” could really brighten someone’s day. So the next time you’re bored on your couch, try calling someone instead of flipping on the television.

Keep goals in mind.

I know there are many of you that really don’t want to do anything during break, but that mindset can make it quite difficult to do anything. After being near-comatose for two weeks, I have to actively force myself to get up and buy my textbooks. This break, I have to take a 40-page paper and make it 60-pages, so I’m definitely going to set some goals.

For you, it might be to finish that book that’s been on your list for some time, or repaint your room. Maybe it might even be as simple as installing updates on your laptop. Whatever the case, if you find yourself struggling to get going, make a list, place some sticky notes and set an alarm. Trust me, it’ll be worth it when everyone else complains about how boring it is and you’ve learned how to fold origami swans.

If you’re dieting, don’t forget.

Home-cooked food, one of the best things about break, can also be one of the worst. You switch from the cafeteria which always has salad and fruit available, to your house, which may be more stocked with chips and dip. It might feel strange to ask your parents to change what they have in the fridge, but when you’re on the couch instead of trudging across campus, any edge you can get helps.

Consider work.

There are a lot of seasonal jobs around Christmas and New Years to accommodate the increased customers. Yes, it can be stressful and annoying, but if you need retail experience, stores are usually more accepting during the holiday season. Plus, you get money, which is always a plus.

Have fun.

Even if you’re working 40+ hours a week and have to take care of your little siblings every night, be sure to take some time for yourself. It could be curling up with a nice book or hitting the slopes, but there has to be something that’s just for you, or else the vacation will be a lot less enjoyable.

Remember, you’re still a college student, and the real world can wait an hour while you nap. Vacation is vacation for a reason, so try to make the most of it. Remind your parents that you need some alone time, make some plans to hang out with friends you haven’t seen in a while and pound back a tube of Pringles at 2 a.m.