Christmas break was one of my favorite times of year when I was in college. I loved having a few weeks off, but I didn’t usually look at it with much intention. Within the first few days, I found myself staying up watching Netflix until 2:00 a.m., sleeping until noon, and basically being lazy. I think I thought that’s what I deserved, and you better believe I was going to take advantage of it.
For those of you who are off on college break and headed home for Christmas, you’ve got a chance to take advantage of the time you have. Here are a few ways I would encourage you to be intentional with your Christmas break:
- Spend time with your friends, but don’t miss out on time with your family. If you haven’t figured this one out yet, take my advice: Spend time with your family. They love you. They’ve missed you. And, they deserve some of your time.
- Don’t waste your break. Which mentors or friends do you want to spend time with? Ask them, and put it on the calendar so it actually happens.
- Go to church. Show up while you’re home, especially if you think you’ll be home next summer. Get involved, and show your home church some love!
- Think ahead about summer (if you haven’t already). Have you already found a summer job? Christmas break is a great time to apply for jobs, internships, and camps. Just like I’m encouraging you to be intentional with your Christmas break, think ahead to summer! Summer jobs and internships were some of my favorite college memories.
- Invest in some younger guys and girls. Think back to when you were in high school and how much you looked up to college students. Who could you take to lunch or coffee and share what you’re learning and encourage them?
Don’t miss the opportunities to connect that are right in front of you. You’ll remember the people you spent time with and connections you made, but you probably won’t remember your Christmas break if you sleep and Netflix it away. Get some rest, watch some movies, and eat some good food, but be intentional with the time you have. You won’t regret it.
Mary Margaret West serves as the Girls Ministry Specialist for Lifeway. She served several churches as a Girls Minister, has a master’s degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and is a former Event Coordinator. Mary Margaret is married to Jonathan and they love living in Franklin, TN. Connect with her on Twitter or Instagram.