We’re a week away from Christmas, and it’s time to really get into the holiday spirit. After two hard days of tests, papers, and presentations, we are finally counting down the last 7 days until gift giving, candy eating, and all-in-all the best time of the year. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of so much free time, here’s a handy list of things to do.

December I9, 2019
WE MADE IT! It’s the last day of school! Pass out gifts to your friends and wear you best Christmas themed outfit! Tell your teachers (or students) “Merry Christmas!” or “Happy Holidays” or “See you next year!” as you hop and skip your way out of class all the way to the end of school. It’s time to go out with your friends and celebrate! It’s like the Friday before a three-day weekend, but this time we’re off all the way until next year!

December 20, 2019
Awwwww yes, it’s the first day of winter break. Time to relax and sleep in after your night of celebration. You deserve this break after a whole quarter of craziness. Cancel all your plans, eat some good food, and enjoy the comfort of your home. Push the Christmas checklist to the side and focus on you. There’s nothing like some good old me-time. If you want, you could catch the ‘Iolani Chorus and Hokuloa Christmas Concert at St. Andrew’s Cathedral.

December 21, 2019
Did you get all the gifts you need yet? Time to double check those lists and do some last minute shopping! Don’t worry though, you still have four more days. If you’ve already finished your shopping, you could go cheer on the ‘Iolani boys and girls wrestling team during their tournament at Leilehua High School or the ILH Round Robin at Mid-PAC Institute! If wrestling is not your thing, there is a JV and Varsity Paddling regatta at Magic Island and multiple girls and boys basketball games throughout the day. Support the raiders and check out the schedule here!

December 22, 2019
Three more days until Christmas! What better way to spend the day than with your family and loved ones? Spend some time outdoors on a hike or take some family pictures for next year’s Christmas card. Go to the best breakfast, lunch, or dinner place you know and treat yourself and your family. From there, you could take a nice stroll down to the beach, put your feet in the water, and watch the sunset.

December 23, 2019
Two more days! After all of that fun yesterday, maybe it’s time for a day of rest. Mondays, after all, are not always the best. Go on your phone, scroll through Imua’s Instagram account or watch some Youtube. You could send your friends a quick text to see how they’re doing or click through their stories. If you’re up to adding a little more festivity to your house, hang tinsel around the hallways or string fairy lights in your room. Cutting some paper snowflakes is a fun and easy way to spend some time. While you’re at it, turn on your favorite Christmas playlist and sing along to it!

December 24, 2019
It’s Christmas Eve! Bake some Christmas cookies to share with your family or to enjoy yourself. Hang up your stockings and fill others with little goodies (food/snacks are always a hit). If you’re too excited to sleep, bundle up in a blanket, munch on those cookies, and watch TV or a movie. Warm cookies and milk are the best way to go on a cold winter night. Wear your favorite Christmas pajamas or Christmas socks and plan a fabulous outfit for tomorrow.

December 25, 2019
Merry Christmas! It’s time for presents and candy and fun!! Call your grandparents, aunties, and uncles, even those distant cousins you only see once a year and wish them a Merry Christmas. After turning on the TV to stream the Macy’s Christmas parade, get to tearing open all of the presents under the tree. I hope you get what you wanted for Christmas! If you didn’t, don’t worry, you still have your birthday. Make sure to take a lot of pictures so you can post #MerryXmas2019! After that, don’t forget to thank whoever gave you those presents!