As the holidays inch closer and the year winds down, the air gets chillier, sniffles seem to follow us everywhere, exam season taunt us and work somehow manages to pile up right before the celebrations begin. But despite the stress, one thing that keeps me going is focusing on the joy waiting just around the corner.
Even if time feels tight, one simple way to brighten your mood and keep the holiday spirit alive is by creating a festive vibe in your room. It’s an easy, comforting way to remind yourself that the season is still filled with warmth and magic. Here are five ways to bring the holiday vibe into your rooms.
Christmas lights
There’s something about stringing up lights that instantly makes a space feel cozier. For me, it’s the easiest way to set the mood — whether I’m unwinding after a long day or gearing up for a late-night study session. Replacing those harsh overhead lights with something softer transforms the vibe, making it feel more like a snug winter café than a lifeless classroom.
In my dorm, I have string lights stretching across one wall, and honestly, they make such a difference. On cold, dark evenings, it feels like my little escape. You could try color-changing LED lights for a playful twist, or if you prefer something more subtle, place delicate twinkle lights in a jar for a charming touch.
Christmas music
Christmas music is such a simple and delightful way to set the holiday tone. Take some time to create a few playlists that match your mood. You could make one with all the Christmas classics — perfect as background music while you tidy up, make a cup of hot cocoa or even while walking to class. It’s an effortless way to sprinkle a bit of holiday magic into your day. If you’re not always in the mood for super cheery tunes, try switching to some chill Christmas jazz (here’s my 11-hour playlist). Personally, I love listening to Laufey’s soft, angelic voice paired with piano — it’s great for relaxing after a long day or keeping the atmosphere mellow during a study session.
Music really can shift the energy in a room, especially when stress starts to creep in. Softer holiday tunes are perfect for calming your nerves and taking a breather. And if you’re knee-deep in finals prep, Christmas Lofi music (this 15-hour playlist) is definitely worth a try. The wordless, soothing beats are an ideal backdrop for focusing in a quiet spot with a hot latte in hand — even if you’re running on minimal sleep. It’s a nice way to remind yourself the holidays are coming soon, and all the effort you’re putting in now will make the celebrations that much sweeter.
Christmas scents
Nothing says "holidays" quite like cozy, nostalgic scents. For me, it’s an instant mood booster. A Glade-scented wall plug-in is an easy go-to — I love options like a spiced apple or vanilla cappuccino. If you’re more of a candle person, a trip to Bath & Body Works is basically a holiday tradition. I’m obsessed with their Sugared Snickerdoodle and Winter Candy Apple scents.
It’s amazing how scents can transport you. Even if you’re away from home, these scents have a magical way of bringing all those warm holiday memories right into your room. So whether it’s a plug-in, candle or wax melt, there’s no better way to turn your space into a cozy winter wonderland.
COURTESY OF EESHA BELLAD
Bellad shares her top picks for candles with cozy Christmas fragrances to make your space feel festive this winter.
Christmas decor
Decorating your room for the holidays isn’t just about creating a festive vibe — it’s also about making the space feel personal and meaningful. Maybe add a hanging door wreath to welcome that holiday spirit the moment you walk in. Printing out pictures of friends and family and arranging them around your space adds a warm, nostalgic touch. You can even try following a YouTube video to craft homemade paper snowflakes or stick on some window decals that embrace the feeling of a winter wonderland. Another easy DIY is filling glass jars with colorful ornaments for an easy, budget-friendly decoration that doubles as an amazing centerpiece. And, of course, a mini Christmas tree is the perfect finishing touch to tie everything together!
Holiday treats
And finally, one of the best ways to remind yourself that the holidays are just around the corner is by embracing the festive spirit through the little things you enjoy — like holiday treats! Stock up on some Swiss Miss hot chocolate mix and a couple of cute holiday mugs from Target to make your evenings feel extra cozy. Or, gather your friends and bake a warm batch of Pillsbury Christmas cookies.
It’s those small, simple moments that make the biggest difference. Whether you’re sipping cocoa, sharing cookies or just taking a second to bask in the holiday glow, these little reminders can help you slow down, breathe and truly soak up the festive vibes — even during the busiest weeks of finals season.
Even something as simple as a festive light-up decoration can add so much warmth. For me, it’s not just about how it looks — it’s about how it makes me feel. The soft glow, chill music and comforting cinnamon scent give me a moment to pause and breathe. It’s as if the lights, candles and blankets are quietly telling me, “Hey, it’s okay to slow down and savor this moment.”
