It’s that time of year again, when the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, wreaths adorn the doors of homes and eight candles are lit in others. Regardless of which holiday, or holidays, you celebrate, there seems to be something undeniably fantastic about the month of December. There’s an air of good feeling as most people seem to remember their shared humanity.

That said, as a college student, the season can feel significantly less than wonderful. For about the first two weeks of the month, students are engulfed in a whirlwind of papers, presentations, exams and even more papers, all the while trying to slowly figure out what does and does not need to come home with them for the month-long winter break. In a time where students feel as if they don’t have enough spare time to take a deep breath, here are several ways that you can try to enjoy the holiday season:

Decorate! It may sound simple and frivolous, but a few cheap and quick things can transform your mood. Things as simple as a roll of red ribbon or some string lights can not only create cheery holiday decor, but a pleasant and calming environment for those late nights spent studying. The calmer and clearer your mind is, the quicker you’ll work!

Donate! It’s said that there’s no such thing as a selfless good deed. Whether or not that holds true can be debated, but it does feel good to donate. On a college student budget, it can be hard to think about donating money. Some days your paycheck hasn’t cleared yet, and you might have to decide whether to buy a bottle of water versus a pack of gum. But there are other ways to give! The first is easiest: The residence halls usually have a set up where you can donate non-perishable foods that you haven’t used up by break. If you aren’t able to donate in the residence halls, there are plenty of places that would be happy to take it!

If you do have the money and you’re familiar with the organization, the next time a cashier asks you if you’d like to add a dollar to your total to donate, say yes! It might just be a dollar, but those add up between you and the customer behind you. Your donation contributes to something bigger. Sometimes making a conscious effort to donate can help put things in perspective, so you’ll be a little less stressed when looking at the bigger picture.

Movies and Music! In finals, time is of the essence, so taking time to watch a holiday special may seem like a stretch. However, taking an hour or so to do this for yourself is a strategic decision. Don’t think of time for a holiday TV show as extra time: watch one while eating lunch or dinner. Taking actual breaks for food and taking your mind off your assignments can refresh your mind. The half hour or hour you take to do this can help reset your brain. Stepping back can help give you a fresh perspective, particularly if you are struggling with an assignment. If you’re working on an assignment that’s more tedious, throw on a playlist of holiday music. It can keep your mood up and make the task more enjoyable.

Take these simple steps to make yourself happy at the end of the semester. A reminder of the joy and celebrations to come may just be what gets you through the end of the year!