It’s officially the last week before winter break, which should mean relaxed vibes, holiday music in the halls, and teachers mentally checking out just like the rest of us. Unfortunately, that is not the reality; the universe decided the week before winter break is meant to break you.
This final stretch feels like a speed-run of quizzes, tests, and “quick assessments” that are somehow never quick. Everyone is counting the days until break, but first we have to survive what might be the most academically aggressive week of December.
There’s something especially cruel about loading students up with tests right before a long break. Motivation is low, sleep schedules are already ruined, and half the class is mentally packed for vacation. Yet here we are, pretending we care deeply about vocab quizzes and unit tests while secretly thinking about pajamas and not setting alarms. At this point, it’s not even about grades—it’s about endurance.
As if the tests weren’t enough, the weather has decided to fully commit to its “rainy era”. It’s been nonstop sleet, gray skies, soaked shoes, and that cold wind that somehow breaks through every jacket. Walking to school feels like an obstacle course of puddles, umbrellas flipping inside out, and trying not to slip on wet stairs. The rain matches the mood of this week: gloomy, exhausting, and never-ending.
On the brighter side, you can tell break is close because people are already talking about traveling. Some students are heading out of state, some are flying to see family, and others are just excited to finally leave the house for something that isn’t school. There’s something comforting about hearing everyone’s plans—it makes the week feel a little more worth it, like there’s an actual reward waiting at the end.
And of course, we can’t forget the best part of winter break: the food. I genuinely cannot wait. Holiday meals, snacks that magically appear in the kitchen, and eating at random times just because you can—it’s all coming soon. Food honestly might be the main thing getting people through this week, and that’s completely valid.
Nevaeh’s Survival Guide to Holiday Madness
Write everything down. With quizzes and tests stacked back-to-back, missing one assignment can snowball fast. A checklist might actually save your grade.
Dress for the rain, not the aesthetic. Cute shoes are not worth wearing wet socks all day. Trust me.
Sleep whenever it’s possible. Even an extra 20 minutes matters when your brain is fried from finals.
Don’t mentally check out too early. Winter break feels close, but it’s not official until the last bell rings.
Think about the reward. Whether it’s traveling, staying home, or eating way too much food, keep that end goal in mind. Positive affirmations about the future is the light at the end of the tunnel.
This week is chaotic, exhausting, and way too busy for December—but it’s also the final hurdle. Push through, survive the madness, and we’ll all make it to winter break together.
-Nevaeh
