Looks like you’re in a pickle North Penn, and it’s not just because the Korner is going on hiatus until the new year. (I’m crying inside too, but we’ll all be okay.) What I’m talking about is the conundrum that is winter break. It sounds good in theory, great even. Who doesn’t dream about two weeks of no school? (Insomniacs, but that’s beside the point.) The problem is that there’s only so much sleeping teenagers can do before even that becomes tiresome (pun shamelessly intended). While procrastinating on schoolwork that probably won’t get done until Monday January 4^th anyway is technically considered “doing something,” it’s certainly no grandiose way to spend winter break. But never fear, you neighborhood kids of the Ferb variety because I know what we’re gonna do today (but mostly over winter break).

1. Try something new. It seems innocuous enough, perhaps even boring to the non-believers, but I can safely say that’s only because none of them have tried it yet. (I don’t know what it is, but you routine followers are just so predictable.) Make your break interesting by changing up at least one thing, whether that’s trying new food on Christmas or New Year’s, or talking to the odd cousin for longer than the obligatory two minutes in the foyer. You may surprise yourselves with what you’ve come to like and the people you thought you knew. Speaking of which…

2. Meet new people. Chalk it up to Christmas joy or the overwhelmingly sweet scent of peppermint, but either way something in the air makes people friendlier and more receptive during these last couple weeks of the year. Now, I’m not suggesting you sit on a bus bench and relate your entire life story to strangers as not all of us are meant to be the next Tom Hanks, but a smile at a stranger never killed anyone. A simple “How are you?” goes a long way in the inevitable chaos of last minute shopping and planning because sometimes the perfect medicine is just a chance to shoot the breeze with someone who will listen. Make plans to hang out with the guy or girl you’ve wanted to talk to. Nothing has to come out of it, and besides, the worst that can happen is they refuse. Luckily for you, you have some ten odd days to recover any missing swagger.

3. Enjoy the snow. Bask in the warm weather. Nothing screams midwinter like returning to school in January with a tan after laying out in your driveway in shorts and a Santa hat. It’s like that Florida vacation you’ve always wanted without the big spending that you didn’t. Santa can’t fit that under your tree, can he? My Christmas palm tree is planted and ready to receive presents… (i.e. an English to Italian dictionary if anyone is interested).

4. Count your blessings. Gag you with a spoon, and get thee to a job at Hallmark, I get it. But in all seriousness, winter break is the perfect opportunity to destress. Funnily enough, your family should provide an excellent source of love and support, (unless they keep you under the staircase and deny you your birthright,) especially during the holidays. If you’re forced to be around them, you might as well make the best of it by enjoying each other’s company. I hate to be a bummer, but some kids don’t have a table full of food surrounded by a family that loves them. And though most of the time it’s a difficult job just being you, it’s alright, beneficial even, to appreciate the efforts of other people. When you focus on who and what you already have in your life instead what you think you want, the easier it is to hold onto that warmth and happiness.

5. Make a New Year’s Resolution and stick to it. Ha! Aren’t I hilarious?

Regardless of what all of you celebrate, none of us can deny that 2015 is coming to a close. Looking back on it, I’d have to say I really can’t complain. It was fun while it lasted, but like everything else in life, time waits for no (wo)man. You have twelve days to make the most of things, North Penn, or at least more than a week to catch up on a year’s worth of sleep. Either way, I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday. I’ll see you on the flip side in 2016.