It’s that time of year when the school semester begins to wind down and we find ourselves dealing with higher stakes like never before in an effort to pass our classes and achieve our academic/career goals. But thankfully the holiday season is fast approaching and will help in relieving our worries and anxieties the college life presents us with. While on the break, take this opportunity to spend as much time as possible with friends and family, go see a movie or two of your liking, work on a fun personal project, and most importantly, enjoy the holidays with a fresh dose of holiday spirit.

It’s easy to forget the things you have. From the people around you, to the growth you’ve made. The stress of life can make any improvement feel small and insignificant, but they never are. Take this holiday season and be proud of not only your growth, but the growth you see in other people as well.

Furthermore, keep in mind that you need not participate in the consumerism rampant in nearly every corner of the holiday season, with that of the pandemic years seeming to be no different. You don’t need to buy your family members, friends or partners the newest extravagant thing off a list; what truly matters is that through some gesture or another, you communicate your love for them, be that a phone call, a store bought or handmade gift, or a plate of treats and a few heartfelt words.

This doesn’t have to be exclusive to your loved ones, any and every human needs love and support throughout the holiday season. You can support foster families by adopting a family at just $30 at fosterfamilies.org. You can buy things on the Methodist Children’s Home’s wish list at mchsmi.org. If you want to go more on campus, the Schoolcraft toy drive is occurring now through Dec. 15.

This holiday season, it’s time to say enough. Enough of the shame and hiding. It’s time to tell the world you still believe in Santa. No more sliding your Christmas list under the nearest takeout menu when your roommate walks in. No more conflicted yearning at the mall when you pass the line to sit on Santa’s lap. It’s time to speak out and be heard about Santa-shaming.