Brush off the flurries of finals and enjoy the winter wonderland of winter break! The Cosmos Blog writers want to wish Northern Illinois University’s Huskies a happy, healthy and magical reprieve from the ghosts of academia past.

Sarah Fischer | Digital Content Contributor

Some of my favorite activities to do over winter break include visiting Christkindlmarkets, the Morton Arboretum and hanging out with family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The Christkindlemarkets are a great way to experience another culture and I love to try all the delicious food options they have.

The Morton Arboretum is always decorated with beautiful Christmas lights, and I think it’s a great way to spend quality time with the ones you love.

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year and I love getting together with my friends and family to enjoy tons of delectable homemade dishes and share in love and happiness.

Maddie Barrett | Digital Content Contributor

Winter is a special time for my family and we make sure to set aside time to spend together and do winter activities.

I love making gingerbread houses with my friends and family on a snowy winter afternoon while watching “A Christmas Story.”

On Christmas morning, my family and I open presents, and we eat french toast casserole together while gathered around the fake yule log on our TV. Winter break is a great time for me to catch up with friends and spend time with my family.

Sarah Lalond | Digital Content Contributor

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I can’t wait to take a minute to breathe without the demand for homework.

Each year, my family hosts a Christmas Eve brunch complete with egg casseroles, French toast and homemade almond coffee cake. It’s a great time to catch up with extended family while munching on my favorite food.

I  love strapping my dog into his little winter jacket and walking him around the neighborhood almost as much as my dog enjoys running in the snow.

I’m also excited to do some guilt-free Netflix binging. I’m finally going to get around to watching the newest season of “The Great British Baking Show” and other titles that have been sitting on my Netflix list.

Abby Wisecarver | Digital Content Contributor

Winter break is the best time of the year because finals are over and it’s Christmas time. Every winter break, I go to the bookstore and buy a new book. I love to wrap myself in fluffy blankets by the fire, drink hot chocolate in my favorite mug and read my new literary title.

This has been my favorite thing to do for the past few years because it’s just so relaxing and the complete opposite of the past months at school.

Don’t get me wrong, I still like ice skating and looking at Christmas lights, but relaxing and reading a book is my favorite thing to do this time of year.

Have a very happy holiday break, Huskies!