Here on campus, there are already Christmas lights on any tree that could vaguely resemble a Christmas tree. Okay, that might be an exaggeration, but the lights are already up in some places; I’m writing this a day after Thanksgiving.
I’m looking forward to it. I’ve always enjoyed December on campus, because…
1. Snow
This campus, covered in snow, is beautiful. Of course, I’ll only feel this way in December, because by January, February, March and sometimes April, I’ll be tired of the cold weather. But for now, the snow is festive and pretty; therefore, I welcome it.
2. Random Snowmen
These have a high turnover rate. For example, you might go to the dining hall for dinner and see one turn up on the walk back to your dorm, while the one from yesterday has already melted. Most of the time, the snowmen look pitiful… or even strange; but nonetheless, building one is always a nice gesture from a fellow classmate.
3. Dorm Hallway Decorations
There are lights draped across the ceiling and snowflake cutouts taped to the walls. There’s fluffy snow made of cotton and pretty bells and decoratively wrapped presents (they’re empty though, I’ve shaken them). Of course, this only happens in girls’ dorms because we won’t tear it all down on Friday and Saturday nights like the guys might. That being said, I remember last year Dillon Hall (a guy’s dorm) had a light show on the outside of their building that was synchronized with holiday music. I watched it for like 20 minutes in 20 below zero temperatures – it was really neat.
4. Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Mochas
I’m every Starbuck’s marketer’s dream consumer. Something about those festive cups and drinks with wintery-sounding names, and I just have to have one in my mitten-covered hand. I have my own coffee maker (with probably better quality coffee) and my own peppermint mocha creamer, but it’s just not the same.
5. Fuzzy Socks
Or really, fuzzy anything – fuzzy sweaters, fuzzy gloves, fuzzy scarves, etc. You can only fully embrace winter if you ball up like you work at a yarn store before you walk outside every morning. The only downside to this is immediately overheating once you get inside a heated building.
Ahhh, so that’s it – that’s my list. I can just imagine coming back from class and seeing a lopsided snowman before I decide to treat myself to a peppermint mocha at Starbucks. I’ll walk through my bedazzled dorm, cup in hand, and eventually get to my room and kick off my boots. Of course, I’ll curl up in my oversized sweater and fuzzy socks and read a book in my window alcove, which is lit up even brighter because of the bright, reflective snow covering the ground below. And by reading a book, I wish I meant book of my choice, but more likely then not, I’ll be studying for finals, because that also comes with December. But obviously I would like to ignore that for now, and focus on the good parts!