Winter break is getting closer and closer everyday, and the excitement for the holidays is growing. Many enthusiastic students look forward to the break for relaxation and the reunion of families. Putting aside school, homework, and pressure is just about what every student wants to do during the holidays. But for just two weeks, squeezing in all the traditional activities can become a challenge.

Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa: many holidays happen in the month of December. As quite a few students are already counting down the days to winter break, many preparations must be done for the once a year celebrations. Many families have already sent out their holiday cards, dusted off the decorations, coordinated their “ugly Christmas sweaters,” and started to buy gifts for their loved ones. Gathering around the fireplace, singing carols, the get-togethers of families are popular events that happen in just about every home.

Traveling is a popular tradition all across America, as families have already booked their flights for those last few weeks of December. As many families are already doing, the popular Christmas trees are also being hoisted into living rooms and being decorated with brightly colored ornaments. The big question many families are facing: should they have a real or fake tree?

Lights, cardboard sets, and holiday inflatables have already popped up in almost every neighborhood. To many people, a walk in the neighborhood is like visiting a festival of lights. Flashes of red, white and green catch the eyes of passers-by. Many homeowners take pride in their yard decorations, just like they take pride in the extravagant food they prepare for expectant relatives.

Despite all the commotion, students are encouraged to stay focused for final exams and end of the semester projects. Winter break may be less than 10 days away (and counting), but the studies aren’t over yet.