Is it Christmas yet? I haven’t had a chance to properly deck myself (or my room) out with Christmas swag yet, because I’ve been swamped with end-of-semester projects and assessments (though I have been doing quite a bit of online shopping). Tomorrow I’ll be taking my first final exam, and on Thursday I’ll be taking my last one. In between, I’ll be taking a little study break (remember my productivity tips?) with Heather at the Christmas Village. Until then, enjoy these Christmas music videos!

ONE // Jingle Bells – Minions

I first saw this in theaters while I was waiting for Interstellar to begin. The minions (and the fluffy unicorn) are one of my favorite parts of Despicable Me. I did not like Despicable Me 2, but I’m really excited for Minions. Not so excited for Penguins of Madagascar. And I still need to watch Big Hero 6.

TWO // Shake Up Christmas – Train

Train and Matt & Kim are my go-to artists when I need a little pick-me-up. I love the energy in this music video, and the snow globe motif is cute. I miss songs like this that tell stories, as opposed to songs that try to be “deep” with emotion or songs that repeat the same thing over and over.

THREE // Christmas Time Is Here – Daniela Andrade

I first discovered this YouTube musician through Mariell’s blog Hjartesmil. Daniela Andrade has such a unique and calming voice, and her puppy Dina is so adorable! If you want to explore her channel, check out her covers of La Vie En Rose and Latch. Her cover of Falling Slowly was mentioned on HONY!

FOUR // Baby It’s Cold Outside – Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé

Ever since I saw Idina Menzel perform in the Broadway Musical Wicked, I’ve always been in awe of her ridiculous talent, and now she’s gained so much popularity from Frozen. Anyways, I love this music video because it reminds me of love in the pure form of an innocent childhood crush.

FIVE // That’s Christmas To Me – Pentatonix

This is a beautiful music video. There’s nothing like Christmas to bring out the sentimental side of us! In the midst of the magic of the holiday season, try to remember the true reason we’re having these celebrations. It’s not just about getting gifts, although that’s always a plus. What’s Christmas to you?

Click here for live updates. To be honest, I’ve been counting down to Christmas ever since Halloween, but first, how was your Thanksgiving weekend? I flew over to California for a little reunion with my high school friends, Rozy and Poonie. There’ll be a post coming up about it some time later this week, so I don’t want to give too much away! All I’ll say for now is that I had the best food I’ve eaten in ages (sneak peek), and I’m sure many college students will say the same. Parents love to spoil us with tons and tons of food when we come back home. Sometimes they get a little too excited, cook too much, and end up with a bunch of leftovers. Pack them away with these super cute, and most importantly, free Thanksgiving printables to top your to-go boxes! With your Thanksgiving leftovers, whip up a loaded turkey panini. And perhaps soothe your stomach with a Thanksgiving detox smoothie afterwards.

ONE // Driftwood advent calendar

It might be difficult to find a nice piece of driftwood, but otherwise, this project is quite simple! I love its rustic vibe with a tinge of modern minimalism. This isn’t the typical Christmas project as it lacks greens, reds, and illustrations of snow/trees/reindeer/etc., but the gold glitter captures that Christmas magic.

TWO // Wooden tree advent calendar

Why settle for a single tree when you can have a whole forest? The 3D aspect really amps up this project. Though I usually prefer advent calendars that involve getting goodies, the idea of advent activities isn’t so bad either. Christmas isn’t about getting presents after all.

THREE // Paper trees advent countdown

If you aren’t trustable with sawing birch plywood into shapes of trees, this project might be a good alternative for you. These little boxes could be presents themselves, even without anything in them! That is not to say that you should leave them empty. In fact, stuff them with as much as you can.

FOUR // String art advent calendar

For those short on supplies, this may be the best option. Of the bunch, this advent calendar is the most traditional. You might not be able to get a Christmas tree into your dorm room, but you can make one as big as you want out of string against a blank wall! Well, up to the ceiling I guess.

FIVE // Simplify Christmas

The countdown begins tomorrow, so you better make your advent calendar first, but after that and before you do anything else, declutter and simplify, because the holidays can get kinda crazy. Christmas is my favorite season of the year, so it’s really easy to get swept away with endless planning. Don’t make yourself so busy that you forget to soak it all in. Happy holidays!

ONE // Almond butter cinnamon mug cake

I miss licking raw batter with the aroma of freshly baking cookies wafting through the air. What’s a celebration without some food? Jump into the holiday season with these college-friendly recipes: pumpkin pie mug cake, easy raw apple pie, and pumpkin cream donut sandwiches. If you have the luxury of an oven or an open stove, try salted butter caramels, salted caramel pumpkin cheesecake, hard candy caramel apples, cinnamon pumpkin pancakes, apple pecan pie, and pumpkin spice cupcakes with maple bourbon cream cheese icing. If you’re looking for something more healthy, try the pumpkin protein bar. As you’re chewing away, consider feasting with a purpose.

TWO // Autumn sangria

Wash down those solids with honeycrisp apple sangria, pumpkin fizz cocktail, or (and?) a swamp spice flip cocktail. Don’t forget to throw in a monster cocktail stirrer! For the underage folk, mix up a candy corn mocktail or apple cider pomegranate mocktail. Give your stomach a warm hug with a pumpkin chai latte or pumpkin spice almond milk. If you’re looking for something healthier, try the pumpkin pie protein smoothie, or just suck it up (lol) and indulge in a salted caramel cookie dough smoothie.

THREE // Foliage decoupage pumpkins

Pumpkin carving is so last year. Carving pineapples is what it’s all about. Jk, but you only have two days until Halloween and you probably don’t have time to carve a pumpkin (or pineapple). No fear! There are so many easy no-carve pumpkin ideas (and some more). Plus, you won’t have to worry about your pumpkins molding into a sloppy mess. Get fancy with a DIY menu pumpkin. Want to take care of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all in one go? Try this fall pumpkin decor inspiration with terrain, AKA a pumpkin Christmas tree.

FOUR // Autumn garlands

All I could think about over the summer before moving into my college dorm was how I would decorate it with faerie lights. But don’t be basic. Instead, decorate with fall foliage, or get into the Halloween spirit with skull succulent planters and more decorated skulls. Got more time (and space) on your hands? Have a swamp soiree or just have a nice meal on a rich table for fall. Hand out spiced latte hand soap for goodies! Just need some me time? Settle down with an autumn playlist and make your house cozy.

FIVE // Wildly printable animal masks for kids

I hate to be the one showing up in some lame costume consisting of ambiguous animal ears and a monochrome outfit, but there’s only so much you can do in two days, considering that you still have school going on (lame). For the procrastinators like me, quick costumes can be built upon DIY masks like these woodland creatures felt masks. Or maybe you’d rather just paint a mask directly on your face; give people something to talk about with this alternative lace detail, so avant-garde. Got a little more time to invest and some friends to spare? Try this Pinocchio themed costume!