Matthew Shepard: The Memory That Lives On

Sixteen years ago on a freezing night in 1998, Matthew Shepard was on his way home in Laramie, Wyoming when he decided to accept a ride from two men. Unbeknownst to Shepard, he accepted a ride from his killers. He was beaten, tied to a fence and left for dead until a cyclist found him eighteen-hours later and alerted the police.

Shepard was in a coma when the police arrived -- the only places that his face wasn't covered in blood were the small trails running down his face, created by his tears. He remained in a coma upon arrival to the hospital, where doctors learned that he had suffered severe trauma to his brain stem which left his body unable to regulate many functions and that it was too risky to operate.

At 12:53 a.m. on October 12, 1998, Shepard died in the hospital.

For those of you who aren't familiar with this story, I'm sure that you're left with one lingering question above all: why would these two men seek out to kill Shepard?

The answer? Because he was gay.

The tragedy surrounding Shepard's death was induced because of his sexuality and because he chose to live his life freely. While the death of such a bright soul like Shepard's is devastating, it's even more disheartening to know that this kind of disturbing behavior still happens in the world today.

Take what happened with the shooting in the Orlando night club this summer, for instance. 49 people lost their lives while 53 others were injured by one man filled with so much hatred that he chose to murder people who were living freely - as they should be - in a gay night club.

Yesterday was National Coming Out Day, but there are still so many hearts in the world who choose not to come out any day because they feel that they won't feel safe or accepted if they choose to do so. My own heart goes out to Shepard's family and friends on this mournful anniversary, and also to those who are feel that they cannot unveil their true selves in today's world.

The Error in Trying to Make Everyone Happy

 

I actually had a completely different mindset for what I was going to write about today, but I found this ominously titled blank post in my drafts. Irony has a funny way of sneaking up on me most days, but this is one topic that I probably relate the most to right now. In some ways, I feel like I'm about to write this all out more so for myself than for others. Regardless, I'm sure that I'm not the only one who can take a lesson out of this.

It's an impossible feat to set your sight on making each and every person happy. You're in control of your life and what you want to do, no matter how much good you want to do unto others. You have a brain, believe it or not, and it's about damn time you get to think for yourself. If you realize that you're trying to impress someone more than taking care of yourself, it might be time to check your priorities.

It. Is. Okay. To. Say. NO. Becoming wrapped up in trying to please anyone is probably near the top of a long list of my biggest faults. I've dealt with a lot (and I'm still dealing with some, sigh) very manipulative people who will make me feel like shit if I don't get dinner with them or text them back right away. It's more than okay to have different agendas and to hang out with different people. If you've been dealing with someone who has been a toxic influence in your life, it might be time to cut the cord.

It's your life -- point blank. Stay focused on keeping yourself happy before you invest all of your time and effort into those around you. No matter how important someone is to you, you're only human. There's only so much you can do for others, and it's your right to be able to make your own decisions.

The Curse of Abandoned Blog Syndrome

It's often inevitable -- life catapults us into chaos and busyness, leaving us to fend for ourselves. Unfortunately, might also result in the abandonment of the smaller things that occupy our time. In my case, my wonderful blog has been one of the unfortunate fallen victim to the dreadful curse.

With summer approaching August already, look out for my "Summer Set" post within the next day or two! I'll have my personal selection of books, music, movies and more for you to incorporate into your last few weeks of relaxation. Who knows? Maybe you'll find that perfect read or Netflix binge that you've been looking for!

Besides that, be on the lookout for some of my ramblings. Things are crazy in the world right now (thus the necessity to bold, underline, and italicize that word), and I think that's time for me to vice my opinion on this platform. Until next time!

Let It Be

Sometimes, the inevitable comes knocking at our door when we least expect it. We are catapulted into the unknown before we have even a moment's notice to brace ourselves for the impending impact. Life happens, and there isn't always something that we can do about it.

Whether we choose to accept it or not, the path to happiness and success isn't always straight and narrow road. As people, we are guaranteed to experience failure, heartbreak, and uncertainty at some point in time. It's the way that we choose to deal with it that determines the strength of our true character.

As hard as we try to understand why some things happen or how they could possibly alter our lives for the better, we can't. We don't always have the answers and might not be able to find them, no matter how many years we spend studying for every possible class in our undergrad careers. Things might fall apart so that you can put yourself back together in the most important part of your life.

Life is a painful, mad, curious, beautiful thing to experience. Opportunities are everywhere -- it's just up to you to throw yourself out there, into the dark of the unknown and discover what lies ahead. 

Gender Equality in the Global Educational System

Today, I woke up as I do every other day: In my dorm room at my university, where I am able to take classes and study for my degree with the rest of my friends. What is the catch? I am a girl.

It is difficult knowing that there are countries all over the world where women are discouraged from earning an education and are unable to learn in a school environment. Where women are looked down upon, beaten, and murdered for wanting to obtain a fundamental right that I often take for granted in the United States.

If you are not familiar with Malala Yousafzai, she is an eighteen-year old Pakistani who was shot in the head on a school bus one day because she wanted to go to school. To learn. To practice a right that should be available to both boys and girls.

One of my greatest passions is speaking out on behalf of women and gender equality. In lieu of this, I figured that now would be the perfect time to share some of my feminist views here.

Today, I woke up as I do every other day: in my dorm room at my university, where I am able to take classes and study for my degree with the rest of my friends. What’s the catch? I’m a girl.

It’s difficult knowing that there are countries all over the world where women are discouraged from earning an education and are unable to learn in a school environment. Looked down upon, beaten, and murdered for wanting to obtain a fundamental right that I often take for granted in the United States.

 Despite being critically injured, she survived and speaks on behalf of women all over the world today who struggle with not being allowed to attend school or who are looked down upon for being a female. Malala is not only a survivor - she is a warrior. She fights on behalf of women all over the world, including me, when she advocates for equal rights.

I find it heartbreaking that a young girl had to nearly die in order to learn about different subjects, simply because she was not a boy.

In America, one of the biggest issues that women have to worry about in high schools is their dress code. I find this topic to be an important issue as well, with administration claiming that showing too much shoulder is “distracting to the boys,” in some situations. I am an advocate for girls to be able to feel comfortable in their clothing, and not have to go and change their clothes in the middle of an important class so that the boys are able to learn.

 Regardless, there is no gender discrimination about who gets to learn. Both boys and girls of all ages have an equal opportunity to receive an education in the subjects they are passionate about and want to study.

Women aren’t allowed to learn in many places besides Pakistan, including Nepal, Afghanistan. Guatemala, Egypt, Haiti, and Papa New Guinea.

Suppression of basic rights is something that is easily taken for granted in a privileged society like America. We complain about having to wake up early for class, writing a long essay, or studying for tests when we’d much rather be doing something else.

I can be just as guilty when it comes to not wanting to do certain things, until I remember how fortunate I am. I don’t have to fear about earning an education, or even walking down the street simply because of my gender.

I am nineteen-years old. I am a woman. And I am thankful everyday that I am able to go to school and learn.

Actuality vs. Quality

Construing reality into our own fantasy
leaves us craving something
that is never actually there to begin with.

Living our lives, we endure what may cross our paths
and take what we desire,
disposing of the bits and pieces that we can live without.

Trouble is, by throwing away what we do not want
we are left with next to nothing.

Living a minimalistic lifestyle
reveals what is necessary.

Eventually, the line that once defined what was real from imagination vanishes,
leaving us to our own devices.

Living for Yourself in the 21st Century

People often ask me what I want to do with my career in just a few years. I usually respond with a generic answer, based on what I am studying: "An art director for a magazine or a website." However, at other times, I find myself responding with three words instead of nine: "I don't know."

Truth be told, I can't say that I do know. I have a general idea in mind, but nothing is set in stone. I might only be four months shy of twenty-years old, but I have had big plans for my life for quite some time.

On a day-to-day basis, I have billions of little thoughts swarming within the four walls of my mind. I'd say that about a quarter of them consist of where I want to travel, what I want to do, goals that I want to achieve one day, and ways in which I want to live for myself.

Not that I stay cemented in the future by any means. I live for spontaneous decisions and jumping into any new opportunities that I come across, no matter how extreme (clever interlude into diverting your attention to my "Yes Man" post here after you finish feasting your eyes on this one). But when it comes to the rest of my life, I find it important to think about just where I see myself.

As a college student, I've talked to many of my friends and acquaintances about where they see themselves ending up. While many of them are in the same type of boat as myself, I've come across a few who say that it will be wherever their boyfriend or girlfriend decides, and that they will go from there. It doesn't matter if they have plans or goals of their own, because they have fallen too deep beyond the realms of infatuation.

What is there in life if you cannot live for yourself?

Keynote speaker Steve Maraboli once said, "When you are living the best version of yourself, you inspire others to live the best versions of themselves."

Throughout my life thus far, I've found that people come and go. People change, plans fall through and not everything is permanent. We can't always count on people, but we can sure as hell speak for ourselves.

Society today is pushing more than ever to stand apart from everyone else. No matter how close we might be to someone or how in love we are, let them do what they want while you pursue your own dreams. If things don't work out because you chose to live your own life, don't chase them. Let them go, because they obviously weren't worth your time anyways.

Think back to when you were significantly younger. What did you want to be as the years went by? (I apparently told my family that I "wanted to be a teenager" so I guess that I'm living the dream, but back on a serious note now.) No matter what your aspirations were, you knew that you weren't going to let anything or anyone stop you from getting to where you wanted to be.

The world can be such a vast and wonderful place. Take advantage of every chance you get, because the time doesn't stop ticking by.

Known As the Popular Loner

A few summers ago, I took this picture in a tunnel that I was walking through on the canal in my home town. Thankfully, I had the brains to upload it to my computer so that I could save it in case my phone were to break. Five phones later, the remembrance of this image popped into my head for some strange reason today and I just couldn't stop thinking about it.

At the time that I initially saw this, I can't say that I really analyzed it too much. An angst-ridden sixteen-year old, I'm sure that I saw the spray-painted phrase with white, dripping letters as "so punk rock" and not much more. I kept in in some of my digital picture folders and moved on with my life.

Almost four years later, I can't attribute this graffiti to anyone and couldn't give you a proper guess as to who might have tagged it. However, I think that I have a firmer grasp now on what they meant by this. "Known as a popular loner . . ."

My greatest opinion on these five simple words is that the artist was feeling what many might also be familiar with: being surrounded by people, yet feeling the opposite.

Let me start off with a bit of a preface. I tend to refer to myself as an extroverted introvert. I talk non-stop and adore meeting new people as often as possible. I'm a rather social person when it comes down to it.

While this might be the case, having time to myself is a must. There are times when I turn down offers to spend time with people, just because I know that I need to be alone for a bit and collect my thoughts. It's not that I'm anti-social by any means, I just prefer to be by myself sometimes.

(I could easily go into my life story as it has been so far, but that's a story that I'll just have to save for another day.)

Now back to the picture. Even years later, I feel like I have a steadier understanding on the underlying meaning to such a simple phrase. Although someone might be considered a "socialite," a room full of people can still feel empty. The person who everybody thinks of as the life of the party might only be that to those who don't care to delve deeper into their true character.

Of course, there could also be a sadder and desperate meaning that the artist wanted to convey. Perhaps there was a feeling within them that felt the need for something more out of life. It could have very well been that he just wanted anyone to get to know his life, his story, his art.


I suppose that I'll have to settle with the fact that I may never know if there was a deeper meaning behind this, or if there was a specific point that the tagger was trying to make. So, for now, I'll end with one question: what would you leave behind as a simple statement to describe your life, and how many people would really understand?

For the Dazed and Confused

Lazy Sundays filled with listening to Vampire Weekend whilst drinking hot coffee and diving into books about modern art have instilled me with the inspiration to type out just what I have been feeling lately. Without further ado, here we go.

Lately, I've been stuck in my own thoughts more than I normally am. Bouncing back and forth within the four walls of my own mind, I've been trying to crack the code of what I truly want out of life. The only answer that I have come up with so far?

I don't know.

But do you know what else?

That's okay.

I'm the type of girl who enjoys the thrill of spontaneous adventures at two o'clock in the morning, but who also can't wait to be enveloped in the comfort of her own bed. I love to binge watch TV shows, but I also want to read for days at a time. I have aspirations to travel the entire world, but I can also be a bit of a homebody.

I have so many dreams that I want to pursue that I'm still unsure of what to place my finger on at the moment. Taking life on day at a time is one of the greatest challenges that I find myself continuously facing.

As much as I would love to have my life figured out by now, I'm also aware that that's not exactly going to happen. At nineteen-years old, I'm infatuated with the concept of having my future mapped out so that I have an idea of what is going to happen down the line. In order for that to happen, however, I need to have a solid grasp on what I want.

And right now, I'm not certain in what I want exactly because I want to experience everything.

I want to be able to live for myself. Do what I want, go where I want to go, and be who I want to without having to schedule my life around anyone else. I'm content with where I am right now, but there's also so much more that I want to get out of this short lifetime.

Dazed and confused is perhaps the best way to sum up my current predicament. I have a long journey ahead of me at such a young age, but I'm ready for it. I can't control everything and I will get to where I want to be in due time.

And if I do end up figuring everything out by some circumstantial one in a million chance, I'll be sure to let you know.

Artist of the Week: Jenny Holzer

Happy Sunday! I didn't realize how long it had been since I last made an Artist of the Week post. My apologies!

If I'm not mistaken, I think that I posted my last artist feature on Christmas Day. (Whoops!) No worries, they're back again with this week's artist, Jenny Holzer.

(Side note: I would have chosen a better picture of Holzer to include, but copyright infringement prevented me from doing so. *Sigh*)

As a neo-conceptual American artist, Holzer's creations are fueled by political and social movements of her time. Working and living in Hoosick Falls, New York, she has also been a prominent voice among the artists for feminism.

Holzer, now 65-years old, has incorporated the usage of projection and electric lights in her art work over the years. Each piece, as simple as the words may be, entails deeper and vivid concepts for the viewer to grasp.

The large-scale artist initially started her work by leaving paintings and script around the city of Manhattan. Eventually, that led her to begin to create billboard pieces and the building projections, where her career really took off. Holzer has also put some of her pieces on vehicles, as pictured below.

 

To learn more about Holzer and to view some of her most cherished and powerful work, visit her website at projects.jennyholzer.com.

4 Major Things That Happen When You Stop Caring So Much

It’s inevitable - life gets rough. One minute you’re as happy as you’ve ever been, and the next you just don’t want to move. You either have incredibly high hopes or next to none, and either way you’re just as disappointed. But what happens when you learn to let go and simply stop caring so damn much?

  

1. You can find your identity. For starters, let's observe the aspect of what happens to you as a person. When the majority of you time is spent on taking care of other people and making sure that their happiness is consistent, you forget to love yourself and take care of your own needs. How can you grow and live a prosperous life if you can't find the time to do things for yourself? In the words of the wonderful television personality Tom Haverford, "treat yo self." Take the time to relax in your favorite coffee shop or park and do things that only you want to do. Write a book, meet new people, nap all day long  - whatever it is, make sure that it's what you enjoy.

2.    You learn to let go. There’s no way to comfortably move forward without letting go of the things that keep you cemented in the past. Whether it is a person or an event that has kept a hold on you, there’s no use in dwelling over the things that you can’t change. Everyday is full of new opportunities, so go out and seize them. Who cares about that one thing that happened 2 weeks ago, or that guy who turned out to be a huge jerk? Those people and things don’t affect who you are in the long run.

3.    The amount of stress you have goes down. Before you know it, the level of stress pressing upon you goes down almost instantly. With a sense of release, you quickly begin to recognize that the problems that face you at the moment don’t last forever. Why spend so much time in a state of anxiety when there’s a whole world ahead of you? Quit worrying about that big test you have to take or why that boy isn’t texting you back right away. It sounds cliché, but tomorrow really is a new day.

4.    You recognize chances and opportunities to take that you never did before. I can attest to the fact that I used to care far too much about a variety of things. However, as I gradually cared less and less about what bothered me, I began to pay attention to people and opportunities around me that I hadn’t paid attention to previously. New people, new interests, and new possibilities - everything started to piece together, and I was able to say I was truly happy. After all, what is life without undergoing different and exciting experiences?

Life is such a wonderful experience when you truly take advantage of it. Rather than focusing on what to fret about, throw your cares on the back burner. Laughter, pain and adventure lurk around every corner. Seize the day, and find who you want to be.

Climbing the Obstacle of Writer's Block

My mind seems to be a place full of every thought imaginable. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I'm constantly thinking (in fact, that might be an understatement). I'm curious and have undeniable hunger pangs to learn about anything and everything—so why do I come across writer's block as often as I do?

I used to turn my music off only to turn it on again (in which the cycle would usually repeat itself), because I would put the blame on sound as a distraction. I would cut everyone and everything off until my brain found some solid footing to bounce ideas off of.

Over time, I have realized that these interruptions haven't been what has hindered me from connecting two and two in my writing. If anything, they have probably helped me come up with words in many different cases.

As of lately, I tend to attribute this obstacle in my thought patterns to the fact that I find it difficult to land on just one topic to write about. Because I always want to write about every little thing, it's not uncommon that I find myself mashing four different topics together until it sounds like a pile of absolute rubbish.

Putting so many thoughts and ideas into one piece makes it look like I wasn't even thinking at all. At times, it looks as if I might as well have sat down and put "¯\_(ツ)_/¯" because that's exactly what it feels like.

So, how do I move past such cringe-worthy moments?

The ironic thing about my writer's block is that I generally find myself writing to overcome it. I jot down some ideas onto paper in an attempt to piece them together. Whether I decide to use them all is to be determined until I mold them into one productive plan. I have slowly (but surely) been finding that lists are a vital tool to utilize in life.

I have also found that mindless phone apps and casual Internet scrolling in my free time have given me some of the greatest inspirations. In reality, it would have originally been the last place that I would have looked.

Thinking less and meditating more is one thing that has also been a stepping stone for me. Recently, I wrote about how overthinking is something that I deal with on a 24/7 basis. Perhaps the reason that I have decided on this notion is because, with less thoughts to deal with, there are infinite ideas to discover.

How do you deal with writer's block?

Artist of the Week: Charmaine Olivia

This week's artist is someone who I'm actually surprised that I haven't mentioned earlier. I first started following Charmaine Olivia on Instagram (@charmaineolivia) about a year ago and have been keeping up with her exquisite work ever since.

I have been a huge fan of the oil painter for quite some time now. The way that she is able to bring such vibrant colors together in the most elegant way possible is a talent that I envy greatly.

 

While Charmaine Olivia primarily paints portraits of other people, she does occasionally add her own twist to items and figures found in the everyday world around us.

As I mentioned earlier, she has a keen sense for painting delicate portraits of many different people, especially pop culture icons like Marilyn Monroe, who is used in quite a few. Other famous muses used include two of my favorite celebrities: Johnny Depp and Lana Del Rey.

Hands down, Charmaine Olivia is one artist that I highly favor in today's day and age. If you like what you see, take a look at her pristine website www.charmaineolivia.com to peek at her gallery, follow her on social media and potentially purchase some paintings.

 

Don't Downsize Depression

I am very close to a lot of different people who suffer from depression. It is hard to see loved ones struggle from an illness that they cannot control, especially when all that you want them to know is how much you love and care for them. We may not understand why they are hurting, but there is a good chance that they don't, either.

Just because you cannot see their pain does not mean that it does not exist. The wind cannot be seen, yet it still exists. Thoughts cannot be heard, but they remain nonetheless. Pain may not necessarily be seen, but it might feel like the stabbing of one million knives.

Do not diminish another person's anguish because you cannot see what they are going through. The mind can be a beautiful place, but it can also be torturous to many. You have no idea what another person is really thinking, so don't find it acceptable to demean them for what they have to say.

Do not ever call a victim of depression weak, because they are some of the strongest people to walk the planet. Every smile that they make is a moment in which they choose to let light into their lives. Every day that they wake up is another day that they choose to live.

Often times, internal struggles are far more difficult to cope with than external. Whether they are open with you about their pain or not, let the people that you care about know that you are always there for them. Assure them that they have a shoulder to cry on, even on their toughest days.

You do not get to tell anyone what they can and cannot feel. The only time in which you have the right to that is with yourself. Instead, you can offer guidance to those who feel lost. Offer release to them, talk with them, be with them. 

Sometimes, the only thing that we can do is listen. Besides simply lending a helping hand, reach out with your heart as well. Listen to what they have to say. Listen to why they feel the way they do. As much as you would like to do for them, hearing what they have to say is among the most important initial steps.

If you suffer from depression or someone close to you does, remember: "Tough days don't last–tough people do."

Stop Idolizing Kylie Jenner

Unless you have lived under a rock for the past year or two, there is a pretty good chance that you are familiar with the Kardashian/Jenner family. You know, the one that gets ultra glamorous with their daily make-up teams and "momager" Kris who makes sure their lives always have a hint of drama? Yeah, that family.

In case you somehow are not familiar with them, media figures Kourtney, Rob, Kim, and Khloé Kardashian are the children of Kris Jenner and the late Robert Kardashian, who was OJ Simpson's attorney during his 1995 murder trial.

Although they are divorced as of 2014, Kris Jenner and retired American track star Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner) have two children together, Kendall and Kylie Jenner (try saying all of these names ten times fast). The twenty-year old and the eighteen-year old have started to outshine their older sisters with modelling contracts and, as Kylie has clearly demonstrated, plumped lips.

Truth be told, I have no real problem with the Kardashian/Jenner family. I do not care how Kim initially made her claim to fame and I have no real opinion on what they do. In fact, I was someone who kept up with their dramatic shenanigans on their popular television show Keeping Up with the Kardashians once upon a time. They are simply a family in the media who gets paid for what they do on a daily basis, and I do not have anything awful to say about them.

However, in recent months, I have become more than sick of seeing the youngest sibling, Kylie, being idolized by the media. Yes, she has botox-enhanced lips, making them much fuller than average. Yes, she is apparently dating twenty-six year old rapper Tyga. But there is absolutely no reason for everyone to go crazy over a few dramatic features and aspects of her life.

I guess the real reason that I am going on and on about all of this is because after the recent attacks in Paris, I went online to stay in touch with the bombings and find out the whole story as it was unraveling. While doing so, I went on Facebook in hopes that I might also find some posts there that would educate me further on the situation. I took a look at the side bar that Facebook offers with recent updates in the world, and found nothing about Paris. Instead, all that I saw were "urgent" (more like infuriating) posts about a dress that Kylie had worn on a date with Tyga. Seriously?!

Amidst tragedy and fear, the media was solely concerned about what an eighteen-year old had worn to some expensive date with her boyfriend. Call me crazy, but there is something seriously wrong with this picture. It seems like everyday I see another post about what another dress she wore or another statement she made on another red carpet.

The most recent stunt that the media has put on blast is Kylie's latest photo shoot for Interview Magazine, in which the teen posed in a wheelchair as a fashion statement. Many have found this to be offensive, and rightly so.  

All in all, I am just getting tired of seeing headline after headline and hearing about Kylie Jenner with everything else going on in the world. Do not get me wrong, I have nothing against Kylie as a person. I have never met her, so I cannot really say anything as to how she truly acts or responds. What I do have a problem with is how the media has been seemingly worshiping her when there are much bigger matters to worry about at hand. Of course, this is true with many celebrities, it is just that this is one figure who I have been seeing the most about lately.

Rant over.

25 Ways to Get Into the Christmas Spirit

This post is a little out of my normal range of posts, but December 1st has finally arrived, which means that Christmas cheer is about to get kicked up a notch. This is my absolute favorite time of year, so I cannot wait to celebrate as much as I can. 

Feeling extra "grinchy" this year? Here are some ways to boost your holiday spirits.

1. ABC Family's "25 Days of Christmas"
Every day through Christmas, ABC Family has a nonstop lineup of Christmas movies from early in the morning until late at night. With movies like Elf, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Home Alone and Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the possibilities are endless. You can view the entire movie line-up for the 2016 Christmas season here. 

2. Classic Christmas cartoons.
Of course, you can't simply forget Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, or Frosty the Snowman, either. 

3. Baking holiday treats.
Because who doesn't love Christmas cookies and cranberry nut bread? Find some of the most delicious recipes for holiday goodies here.

4. Buying presents.
With the season of Christmas comes the season of giving. Giving family and friends presents is probably one of my favorite things about this time of year, and with Cyber Monday only a few days ago, some websites like Amazon.com have them available all week long. Of course, even if you are not able to snag a good deal this week, plenty of stores keep them popping up all month long.

5. Wrapping presents.
To be honest, I love wrapping presents but am dreadful when it comes to putting sheets of wrapping paper and Scotch tape together to make something look pretty. If you are the same way or simply want cute and creative ideas, check out this ultimate gift wrapping guide.

6. Keeping a countdown (or twenty).
Planners, laptops, cell phones, white boards and calendars make great places to keep as many countdowns as you want. (I may or may not have round twelve at the moment.)

7. Constant Christmas music.
From Mariah Carey to Bruce Springsteen, it can be hard to grow tired of the seasonal classics. Spotify has some pretty great playlists, too. Try looking up "Merry Christmas: The Best Holiday Music" on your account to spruce up your day.

8. Decorating.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly, or whatever you want! Tinsel, bells, wreaths, snowmen and absolutely anything with glitter make perfect touches. 

9. Putting up the Christmas tree.
 Besides a great family pastime, putting up the Christmas tree is often filled with memories. Finding old ornaments and remembering the significance behind them can be a heart-warming task, even for Ebeneezer Scrooge.

10. Seeing Christmas lights at night. 
Maybe your family is something out of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. If that is the case, it might be a good idea to look at the twinkling lights around your town and see your neighbors' small victories. 

11. Making wish lists.
 I always find myself thinking of things that I want for Christmas, but constantly forgetting them when it comes time for someone to ask me what they should buy me. Try writing your own thoughts down virtually or in a notebook so that you do not forget, either.

12. Fireplaces.
My dad never lets me turn on the fireplace until the Christmas season is officially upon us. Who doesn't love the toasty feel of a roaring fire?

13. A long vacation ahead. 
The time that you have been waiting for since Thanksgiving ended. One week, two weeks, or however long, make this the vacation that you know that you deserve.

14. Paper snowflakes.
I do not care how old you are, you are never too old to make paper snowflakes. Whether you have snow in your area or not, hang them from your ceilings and tape them to your walls. Make some more like when you were a kid by learning here. 

15. Planning holiday parties.
Planning parties in general has always been a favorite of mine . . .

16. Attending holiday parties.
. . . but sometimes, it is nice to let someone else do the work, too.

17. Volunteer.
No matter how fortunate you may be (particularly during the holidays), not everyone can be as blessed. Take the opportunity to volunteer at a local shelter, nursing home, or soup kitchen and lend a hand to those who might not have anyone to spend this time of year with. You might really make someone's day. 

18. Traditions.
Every family has their holiday traditions. Big or small, there is bound to be at least one that you are attached to. Not with your family to celebrate them? Practice them on your own or share them with close ones who might not know of them. 

19. Start your own traditions.
There is a first time for everything! Why not make some new traditons for you and your loved ones to celebrate?

20. Family Christmas pictures.
If you hate making new ones, at least you can have a good laugh while looking at some of the old ones.

21. Getting Christmas cards. 
 Especially in college, receiving Christmas cards from loved ones back home is enough to make me smile all day.

22. Build a snowman.
Do you want to build a snowman? HA I am totally joking. But . . . maybe?

23. Go ice skating.
If you are as clumsy as me this might not be something that I advise, but it can be a good time with the right people (especially when they laugh at your misery whilst hitting the ground).

24. Watch the NORAD Santa Tracker.
I am not sure that there is anything much better than seeing the faces of my little cousins light up when I show them the NORAD Santa Tracker every Christmas Eve to see where Santa visits before Christmas morning. There is something about that spark in one's eyes, especially with such belief and excitement in their hearts, that makes everything glow just a little bit brighter.      

25. Getting the family together.
Because there is no place like home for the holidays. "The best gift around the Christmas tree is the presence of family wrapped in love." (Perhaps a bit of a cheesy end note, but in the spirit of Christmas, bear with me.)