Photo courtesy of HGTV

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I know everyone is probably feeling the stress of finals week at this point. We’re all in a mad scramble to get papers turned in, assignments typed and take-home exams completed (as I write this, I’m neglecting one due in two days that I haven’t even started). Who would have guessed that a month that’s meant to be spent by the fire with carol and good cheer and family could be so intense and exhausting? Christmas is only 19 days away, and I’m more worried about whether or not my reflection essay will accurately represent everything that I’ve learned this semester (half of which I couldn’t tell you off the top of my head).

Amidst the growing mountain of papers and responsibilities, there’s another quibble: the election. Love it, hate it, detached from it, it happened. It’s totally reasonable to be excited or upset at the results, and it’s reasonable to be at various stages of grieving or celebration at any point in time. For the most part, it looks like the fervor has calmed down – I’ve actually been able to use Facebook without going into a storm about telling people to be respectful. For anyone still focusing on the election, particularly those who are upset with the results, I ask you to detach for this break.

I know what you’re thinking: “But we have to protest the potential injustices!” Yeah, you are right, we do have to protest, but honestly, you probably deserve a break if you’ve been protesting as much as I’ve seen everyone protesting. I know I need a break from it. The amount I fact check and discuss politics with people is probably more than the average person will do or want to do in his or her entire lifetime. I honestly want a break, and I need some positivity. So, therefore, I want to extend a suggestion to my likeminded readers who take it upon themselves to be “political activists,” as I call them.

This Christmas, spread some love. Be kind and caring. Don’t worry about what Trump is doing or what Hillary should have done or what the media failed to do. Worry about hot chocolate being too hot and making your lips tingly. Worry about your dog tearing open a present or your cat knocking over the tree. Worry about missing your favorite Christmas movie because you were out shopping for gifts all day. Worry about little noogies and unimportant things. You’re getting some rest, so enjoy it.

When you come back, come back renewed and stronger. Throw yourself into your work. Enjoy every opportunity you take and reflect positively on the ones you don’t. Speak up. Make noise. Say something. Do anything. Work hard now and after, but during the break, just take some you-time. You’re important, and you need to rest to do your best.

This all sounds like it’s dripping in plucky optimism, I know, but it’s necessary. We work ourselves too hard and spread ourselves too thin with our schoolwork alone, and the last thing we need to worry about during Christmas is what’s going on in the White House. There are times and places for political discussion, but Christmas is not the time. With the risk of sounding numbingly plain and repetitive, it’s in everyone’s best interest to relax and come together over the break so we can work on bridging the gaps that keep us apart.

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By: Trever McKenzie ~Copy Editor~