December 24, 2021

As Buddy the Elf wisely stated in the iconic movie, Elf, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.” Thus, per Buddy’s instructions, I plan to begin getting into the holiday spirit by blasting Christmas music in my dorm, and you can bet the window will be open so that all my neighbors can hear. This is not unlike my childhood, especially considering I was practically raised on Michael Bublé’s Christmas (Deluxe Special Edition) album, along with a few of the greatest classics: 

• “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee 

• “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms

• “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams

• “Winter Wonderland” by Bing Crosby

• “Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes

• And, one of the most amazing songs: “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber

“I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite.” I would suggest that you decide on a date, or rather, a particular day in which you and your friends can hang out and just do things that make you smile. After all, smiling is indeed Buddy’s favorite. Here is another suggestion: decorate your dorm room with Christmas-themed window decals and a mini Christmas tree with various ornaments. Afterwards, for prime relaxation purposes, dress in cozy clothes and cute fuzzy socks (maybe the ones with reindeer on them), grab an even fuzzier blanket, make some hot chocolate (definitely add in mini marshmallows and a candy cane), and watch a Christmas movie! Every year, I watch some of the classics from the 1960s and 1970s, such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman, as well as contemporary favorites, such as Elf, The Santa Clause, and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

Though, if you are more in the mood to leave your dorm, I would recommend going to Starbucks and ordering your favorite seasonal drink. I would personally recommend treating yourself to one of their cute holiday cups. Then, sit down and handwrite your Christmas list. Despite the fact that you are likely college age, you could even address it to Santa! I would also fully support taking out your laptop to go online and buy yourself a cute new outfit for the winter. In fact, sweaters are always in.

“Son of a nutcracker!” Buddy’s alternatives to curse words are truly top-tier. Maybe buy a nutcracker just for fun.

“I planned out our whole day. First we make snow angels for two hours, and then we’ll go ice skating, and then we’ll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse Cookie Dough as fast as we can, and then to finish, we’ll snuggle.” This winter, I would definitely plan to spend a day reenacting these iconic scenes from Elf. Once snow starts to consistently fall in Michigan, there are plenty of ways to spend your time (both in and out of the cold):

• Go sledding down a hill on campus

• Make a snowman in front of your dorm

• Visit Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth

• Take a drive down the four-mile long Wayne County Lightfest 

• Try outdoor ice skating at the rink at Campus Martius in Detroit

Upon returning from any of these activities, you could host a small Christmas party, featuring Christmas song karaoke, ugly sweaters, and photoshoots. Additionally, I would recommend planning a Secret Santa with your friends!

“We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.” In order to follow Buddy’s lead in holiday celebrations, be sure to stick to the four main food groups. You could bake and decorate cute Christmas cookies, build a gingerbread house, and switch out your gum for some peppermint candy canes! 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Inspiration Cited (for more ideas follow these links):

Bogdan, Katie Rey, et al. “14 Post-Christmas Activities for the College Student.” The Odyssey

Online, 16 Oct. 2019,

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/14-christmas-activities-for-the-college-student. Hurtado, Alexandra. “35 Elf Quotes That Are Sure to Spread Christmas Cheer.” Parade, Parade:

Entertainment, Recipes, Health, Life, Holidays, 30 Sept. 2021,

https://parade.com/958009/alexandra-hurtado/elf-quotes/. 

Jackie. “Coolest Christmas Things to Do in Michigan.” From Michigan with Love Blog, 17 Nov. 

2021, https://frommichiganwithloveblog.com/coolest-christmas-attractions-in

-michigan/. 

“30+ Fun Christmas Activities to Help You Enjoy the Holidays: Shutterfly.” Ideas & Inspiration,

22 Nov. 2021, https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/christmas-activities/.