Finals season is in full swing and winter break is almost here. As we wrap up our last weeks of the semester and prepare to go home for the holidays, it can be a stressful time. December is a time for giving, family fun, and making memories. When you find moments of downtime, use it to take a break and have some fun. Here’s a list of festivities to do with your friends, family, a partner, or by yourself.

By: Sanaa Alam ‘25

One of the best parts of the winter holidays is cuddling next to the fireplace with a warm cup of hot chocolate or cider, spending time with family and friends, and watching holiday movies! As an avid rom-com watcher, here’s my favorite 90s and early 2000s movies perfect for embracing the holiday vibes this winter season!

By: Lanie Brice ‘24

With the holidays already upon us, you might be scrambling to think of last minute gifts for everyone on your list. This gift guide is focused on keeping gift giving affordable (everything is under $50) and heartfelt. Hopefully it will spark some inspiration to make your friends and family think you read their mind.

By: Hannah Skinner ‘23

If you didn’t know already, USC students have free access to both HBO Max and Showtime! Now that winter break is coming up it’s the perfect time to flex your free accounts and have a movie night at home with friends and family. Here are 10 movies to add to your watchlist.  

By: Lanie Brice ‘24

Growing up, I spent a lot of time in airports during layovers and on planes themselves, but since the pandemic hit, I’ve only been on a plane twice since March of 2020. Since winter break is coming up and it’s time to head home for the holidays, I put together this list of tips to remind myself and all of you of easy ways to make air travel less daunting this holiday season. All of these tips I’ve learned, tested, and used over the years — especially when I have to travel on my own — to help manage the potential chaos an anxiety travel can bring.

By: Celine Vazquez ‘24

This semester has been far from easy, and pushing through finals season has seriously taken a toll on all of our mental health. After finals are finished, it’s important for us to take a step back and take care of our minds! Here are just a few ways you can mentally recharge after finals, so you can be ready to have a wonderful, relaxing break. Let’s get started, Trojans!

By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22

Finals are over! Great — but maybe you feel little less than ecstatic about how you did in certain classes. If that’s the case and you could use some advice on how to lift your spirits a bit, look no further.

By: Kelly Kinas ‘16

Unfortunately, our winter break is almost coming to an end. With all of our holidays over and the new year beginning, going back to USC is inevitable and a fun challenge awaiting us. But, alas, it is bittersweet. Winter Break is a great way to destress after the fall semester and I have created a list for y’all to make sure your winter break ends with a bang.