10. Volunteer: Several sites suggest spending time helping others over the holiday break. Contact Toys for Tots, United Way or a local food bank. I’m sure they won’t turn down whatever help you can provide during this busy season.

9. Start a blog: There are so many blogs out there nowadays. Write about a hobby, your college experience or things you’d like to accomplish in the new year.

8. Exercise: Use the extra time off to shed the Freshman 15 instead of using it to argue with your parents. You might find this is a good stress reliever when you get tired of explaining where you’re going and when you’ll be back to your overprotective parents.

7. Work: There’s no point in sitting in the house feeling sorry for yourself when you can earn some extra money. You can use the money to get out of the house more, or just save it for a rainy day.

6. Eat, drink and be merry: Enjoy the food. Enjoy the beverages (responsibly). Enjoy having nothing to do and nowhere to go. It won’t last long. Soon you’ll be back in the thick of school with papers due, tests to take and all the pressures that go with college life.

5. Hang out with family: Get to know your family members again. You don’t have to set up a formal time. Offer to make dinner one night or invite them out Christmas shopping. You might not have another chance until the spring to reacquaint yourself with everyone you missed. Good company always lightens the mood and makes situations more bearable.

4. Hang out with friends: Even if you’re not into parties, you can meet some old friends for lunch or dinner.

3. Think about what’s making you so sad: If it’s a serious issue, seek help through your local doctor. Get help now while you’re around family and old friends. They’ll be there to support you, whatever the problem.

2. Set goals: Spend time thinking about what you want to accomplish in 2013. Not New Year’s resolutions, but specific, attainable ideas about things you want to see happen in the new year.

1. Create your own schedule: Don’t let others dictate what you should do and when you can do it. Make up a schedule that works for you and allows you to see all of the people you’ve missed. It will let others know you’re an adult who can make his or her own decisions. Include fun activities like ice skating or sight seeing.