Winter break an escape from school, stress

Take a deep breath, and let it out slowly. Don’t panic yet, the semester is almost over. In just a few days we will be celebrating Reading Day, the day in which students gather and laugh about the fact that the teachers think we might actually be doing some reading.

After Reading Day we’re home free — just a few little exams to worry about, right? No sweat, because after a week of cramming and three-hour tests to see if writer’s cramp can be fatal, we really are home free.

Then it’s winter break, those glorious weeks between first and second semester in which there are no classes, no papers, no tests and no professors. And we could all use a little relaxation right about now. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwaanza, the winter solstice or another holiday (or all of the above if you’re really in the spirit), you need to come back energized and ready for another hellacious semester.

But what if you can’t forget about the 100-page paper you wrote in one night, or the exam you must have bombed? What if you just can’t get into the holiday spirit or find that necessary escape from all things Virginia Wesleyan? Here’s a list of fun things to do during (or before) winter break.

The Grand Illumination in Colonial Williamsburg: There’s no better way to start the holiday season than to drive up 64 towards Williamsburg and join the millions of other people waiting to see the fantastic fireworks display and hear some great entertainment. The festivities are on Sunday, December 7. Leave plenty of time for driving, parking and finding a good viewing spot.

Try something new, like line dancing, ice skating or bowling: Never done it? Doesn’t matter. Activities like these are entertaining and fun. Take some friends along with you — the more, the merrier!

Go to the mall and watch the little kids with Santa: Even if you’re too old to sit on his lap, Santa is still an important part of Christmas. Find a bench, get some gourmet coffee or a cookie, and become a people watcher. The kids are the best. Remember when you were that young and innocent, and didn’t know the words “term paper”?

Have a mini-reunion with old friends: So what if the last time you saw them was when you all had first period algebra together. Get together with all the people whose phone numbers you still remember. Pull out the yearbooks and have a good laugh. Catch up on everybody else’s lives and promise to make it an annual event.

Catch a holiday concert: Whether it’s the Virginia Symphony or the children’s choir at church, holiday music will get you in the mood for Christmas. Even better, go caroling or attend a Messiah sing-along.

Volunteer: ‘Tis the season for giving, and there’s plenty of places that could use a hand. Try local soup kitchens, shelters, hospitals or residential programs. You could also donate canned foods or Toys for Tots. The possibilities are endless, and so are the rewards.

Visit a holiday light display: These huge, drive-through displays with millions of light bulbs are a lot of fun. If there’s not one near your home, try one around here — Norfolk Botanical Gardens, the Virginia Beach boardwalk, or Newport News City Park. If you’re out of cash for the entrance fee, just drive around neighborhoods. Some of those private displays are almost as impressive.

These are just a few suggestions about ways to spend your winter break. Most importantly, make it a relaxing, fun and safe holiday season.