by Sydney Morrison ’13

Winter Break should be a time of relaxation and fun away from school, but don’t let it go to waste! Don’t spend the 10-day vacation bumming out on the couch in front of the T.V. surrounded by Chipotle burrito wrappers (at least not for the whole week). Here are some fun ways to spend your time more wisely and help you cherish every moment of that precious Winter Break.

1. Winter Break is the ultimate money pit. Eating out with friends, going to the movies and abusing all of those holiday sales can really take a toll on your wallet. Instead of heading to Rio or Rockville to eat dinner and catch a flick, head to the basement that you’ve been neglecting since school started. While leaving the house may be what you’re aiming for, staying in has its advantages. You can invite many more friends over to your house than to the movies, so tell them all to bring a snack or money for Chinese food. Make sure everyone is wearing sweatpants (as this is the only acceptable time to wear them!). And since your mom is so happy you finally have friends over she’ll let you buy a movie or two On-Demand, and maybe spot you a few bucks the next time you do want to go out.

**House of Fortune delivers! So you don’t have to worry about leaving your house in sweatpants … and Kung Pao Chicken is only $8.95. Win.

2. Hit the slopes! It may be an obvious idea to go snowboarding or skiing over Winter Break, but hey seniors, we can drive now remember? Make it a day trip and head on over to Whitetail Resort with a car full of friends. Don’t know how to ski or snowboard? They offer snow tubing all day as well. Or you can learn! Take someone who knows how to teach you, both of you will have way more fun in the snowy mountains than here in Olney, that’s for sure.

**It only costs $56 for eight hours of skiing!

3. Have a beach house? There’s actually no better time to go to Rehobeth or Dewey Beach than in the off season. You may not want to bring a bathing suit this time, but it’s a perfect opportunity to get your winter shopping done at the outlets where everything costs less and you’re not being taxed! Go for just a day if you don’t have a place. A nice walk along the beach without all the annoying tourists will wipe all that school stress away. Plus, blasting those new albums during that long drive will really put you in a good mood while you get away from Olney for a few days.

**Worried about gas? Don’t be. It’s cheaper in Delaware.

4. Stuck in the house while the parents are at work? It’s the perfect time to take a personal day. Wake up early and get to the gym to kick-start your day. Or go for a quick run and then try some of “Cal’s Workouts” (see page 6). Reward yourself for being awesome by making pancakes for breakfast (preferably of the chocolate chip variety). Now you have the whole day to do whatever you want and you’re already in a great mood.

**Bored with no ride? Search Pinterest for some DIY projects and delicious recipes to keep you occupied.

5. Catch up on all those novels you’ve been “meaning to read.” You finally have countless hours to kick your feet up and enjoy a good book that’s not written by William Shakespeare.

**Try J.K. Rowling’s new novel, “The Casual Vacancy”