It seems Fall Break just ended, leaving us with the final remnants of the term - and of course, the actual finals.
For some, Winter Break is an opportunity to go "home." For others, it's a chance to work full time without having to study. And others, with a bit more time on their hands will enjoy weeks of leisure activities.
But almost everyone finds a little downtime during the holiday season, so here are my suggestions to spend some free time during Winter Break (without spending a lot of money):
•Realized the Screenwriter's Guild's strike has forced your favorite show into reruns? Surely there is another show you've always been curious about. Stop by your local video rental place and rent the first season. If you like it, you can always rent the other seasons. If you don't, you have only wasted a few dollars. My recommendations - "The Sopranos," "House, M.D.," "Heroes" and "The Office."
• Reorganize a room, or even a closet, that you've been meaning to tidy up for awhile. Find clothes that no longer fit or books you haven't read since middle school? Donate them to a charitable organization - everyone wins.
• Go to the local public library and pick up a book to read - it doesn't need to be educational, just interesting to you.
• Check out a matinée at the movie theater. My recommendations - "I Am Legend" and "Sweeney Todd" (the previews for both look interesting, but I haven't actually seen either yet).
• Drag out your old video game system or some old board game and have a games night with friends or family.
• Cook or bake something from scratch. Whether it is an entrée-salad recipe you have seen online and always meant to try, a batch of holiday cookies, a casserole you remember from childhood or a comforting pot of stew, you'll have something to enjoy after your efforts.
Whatever you do this break, please don't drink and drive. Not only is it dangerous, but - from a purely practical aspect - no one wants to pay DUI fines during the holidays.
Originally published in The Chronicle on December 3, 2007
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