The Daily Illini Holiday Guide 2019

2019 HOLIDAY GUIDE

Thursday, December 5, 2019

THE DAILY ILLINI

ALMA MATER TO THY HAPPY CHILDREN OF THE FUTURE THOSE OF THE PAST SEND GREETINGS

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Tune your New Year’s resolutions to college life

BY CASSIE REICHERT STAFF WRITER

The new year is fast-approaching, and it’s time to reflect on the past year and make some changes. You’ve likely made resolutions in the past that you rarely follow through on, but college is a great time to commit to new habits that will help you out in the real world. Ring in the new decade by adopting these simple, yet important resolutions.

Actually pay attention in class

We all find ourselves sitting in a lecture, doing homework for other classes or checking our phones. Then along come exams, and you wish you would’ve actually taken notes or listened to what your professor was saying. It’s time for you to finally be prepared for midterms without having to cram the night before.

Stop relying on Chegg

We’ve all been there. It’s 9 p.m. and you’re about to go out, but you just remembered you have homework due at midnight. You breeze through it, using the answers you find on Chegg instead of actually learning the material. Once again, you have no idea what’s going on in class and you wish you would have just done the assignment on your own. Save yourself the $15 a month, and cancel your subscription. It will help you in the long run.

Start studying more than two days before your exam

It can be really hard to make yourself stop watching Netflix and start studying instead, especially if your exam isn’t for a week or two. But I promise you will be thanking yourself when you finally walk out of an exam and be able think, “I aced that.”

Stop waking up 15 minutes before class

BRIGIDA DOCKUS THE DAILY ILLINI

A child uses a party popper at midnight on New Year’s Day 2019. As a college student, there are many options for a New Year’s resolution to make the most of your college experience.

Change your going-out habits

your bank account is probably not very happy with you. Keeping tabs on what your balance is might help you to refrain from spending more This can go either way: If either you stay in than you should. too much and end up losing touch with friends, or if you find yourself waking up hungover a few more times than you’d like, it might be time to make a change. If you’re in the former category, text your friends when you have a free night, and finally go to The Red Lion with This might be the hardest one. Every new them, even if it means you have to work a little year everyone decides to get in shape, but by harder to finish your schoolwork for that week. February they’ve already canceled their gym If you’re in the latter group, maybe take a break membership. I don’t blame you if you do the and watch a movie or catch up on homework. same thing, but just try. Maybe this year it’ll Your mental and physical health will thank you. finally catch on.

Finally go to the ARC or CRCE

not as easy to do is eat healthily, but if you stock your fridge with nutritious ingredients or healthy meals all ready to go, you will find yourself eating less from fast-food restaurants.

It’ll save you money on eating out and will have you feeling better.

Put effort into your future

Whether it be applying to internships and job shadows — or just figuring out what your major should be — take time to think about what it is you want to do after graduation. It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of college life, so it’s important you set aside time to discover new opportunities that will help you live a successful and happy life after you graduate college.

This might be asking too much if you have an 8 a.m. (you can have a hall pass), but there’s no reason to be waking up at 11:45 a.m. if your class is at 12 p.m. It’s really hard to stay engaged in class when you just woke up, and you’ll also feel like you’ve wasted half of your day. So try getting up just a little earlier, and maybe you’ll even have time to Maybe you keep Uber Eat-ing McDonald’s, When you haven’t eaten all day and all you make breakfast! or you forget drink deals are over and end up can think about is food, it’s easy to just walk Cassie is a sophomore in Business. ordering 12 drinks in one night. Whatever it is, to Green Street and indulge yourself. What’s crr5@dailyillini.com

Check your bank account balance often

Meal prep and/or eat healthier

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Check in on your mental health this holiday season be celebrated in many different ways with ice skating, cookie decorating and cozy movie nights. Reaching out and little acts of kindness like these can bring everyone together, truly making this season merry and bright.

The holidays can also create a sense of stress and pressure for many on top of their usual school activities and work. The expected jolliness at this time can be exhausting, as well as the plethora of social gatherings.

The increase in activities and expectations can disrupt usual patterns, so it is important to find healthy ways to manage this added stress. Remembering to take time for yourself is extremely important, especially now.

Self-care days can be a great way to ease your mind and get refreshed. If you do not have time for a full day, try to schedule at least 15 minutes of your day for yourself to clear your head.

As this time continues to creep up on us, try to not let the holidays become something you dread. Take a few steps to prevent unwanted stress and reach out to loved ones around you. Checking in on others and taking care of your own well-being can help bring joy and celebration this holiday season.

BY CHRISTINE SHERIFF STAFF WRITER

We are well into the holiday season at this point. Thanksgiving has passed, and “season’s greetings!” seems to be on everything, including that coffee you get each morning. The air continues to get cooler as we approach the “most wonderful time of the year.” With all the lights and festive energy, it is hard for it not to be. This time is often spent with loved ones eating great food whilst cozied up inside.

However, for others, this can be a very lonely part of the year.

Those struggling with sadness or issues in their life can find it extremely tough to make it through the three-in-one special of festivities that occurs over these few months. Instead of finding peace and joy, the holidays can bring a sense of loneliness and longing.

For some, this could be the first holiday season without a loved one at the table. For others, the holidays may not come with the most pleasant of memories. If you notice a friend or family member struggling this holiday season, try to reach out. Extend an invitation to your own gathering if you are able to. Many students who lived out-of-state may stay in town CASSIDY BRANDT THE DAILY ILLINI throughout this time. Every year, my family Although not everyone can take someone bration among friends instead, complete with Christine is a junior in LAS. would invite one or two to our holiday events so they would not have to spend their day alone. in for the holidays, perhaps try hosting a cele- a white elephant exchange. This season can sheriff3@dailyillini.com

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Immerse yourself in holiday spirit with movies and his interesting journey of preventing a robbery at his house. And if you think you’ve had Holiday movies are a staple of the season. enough of the first movie ... there’s always the Whether you’re enjoying them with family or rest of the series! passing time by yourself, watching a holiday movie is one of the best ways to get in the spirit! Below is a list of movies, some of which have withstood the test of time. Whether they’re Unlike the above movies on this list, “Let it from decades ago or from this current season, Snow” is a movie that came out rather recently these are some of the best movies to watch and caters to a younger audience. It is based during the holidays. on John Green’s book by the same name and follows three romantic journeys through Christmas, allowing us to be spectators to the events taking place between the characters.

This one is a classic. For some people, it’s a tradition to watch it every year, while for others it’s one they’ve never seen. This movWhether you watch the old, Jim Carrey verie follows the story of a human child “Buddy” who was raised at the North Pole and later sion or the new one starring Benedict Cumfinds his way to New York City in search of berbatch, you are sure to get some hearty his real father. If you’ve never seen it before, laughs out along with some heartwarming moments. The plot revolves around “The Grinit’s a must-watch. ch” who had a heart “three sizes too small” and could never bring himself to enjoy Christmas. Instead, he tried to ruin the holiday for “Home Alone” is yet another one of the clas- everybody in Whoville. sics. It’s a family-friendly comedy bound to have everyone cracking up. “Home Alone” is about a young boy who gets left alone at home If the traditional holiday movies aren’t your while his family is off on Christmas vacation cup of tea, “Rise of the Guardians” might be

the entire family engaged. Through the course of the movie, the Guardians, including Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, fight off darkness and restore children’s faith in Christmas.

BY SONAL SINGH STAFF WRITER

“Let it Snow”

“Polar Express”

“Polar Express” is a film that is well enjoyed by all ages. This is a movie about a young boy who accidentally gets on a train to the North Pole, only to end up on a journey of self-discovery. Although it has a deep plot with emotional ups and downs, it also has moments of humor.

“Elf”

“The Christmas Prince”

“The Grinch”

“Home Alone”

“Rise of the Guardians”

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB

Macaulay Culkin plays Kevin McCallister in Home Alone.

If your preference is more romantic, “The Christmas Prince” is perfect for you. It follows the journey of journalist Amber Moore, who travels to the (fictional) country of Aldovia to write an article about the King-to-be. The film progresses to show us how their relationship blossoms. If you couldn’t get enough of them with just this movie, there are two more movies in this series. It’s the perfect way to keep yourself occupied while enjoying the Christmas spirit.

more your style. As an animated film with an Sonal is a sophomore in Business. interesting plot, it does a good job of keeping tssingh2@dailyillini.com

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Take new vices to old stomping grounds tastefully

BY NOAH DAVIS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Winter break: a month of freedom from being quarantined on campus, devoid of the classes or resume-padding internships that consume a college student’s life over summer. Finally, the ample time you’ve been waiting for to spend with old friends and/or significant other is here, but there’s just one problem: Where do you go?

While scholastic and extracurricular obligations may go away for a bit, so does your personal sovereignty. Sheer bliss and relief of being outside the authority of autocratic professors, teaching assistants or resident advisers dissipates immediately as you realize it is time to contend with the real tyrants — your parents.

The intoxicating independence of living unsupervised in an apartment or Greek house is quickly gone as you must find a balance between abiding by your parent’s rules and standing firm in the face of their impending inquisition into your liberty and free-will.

Self-polluting habits or activities normalized at school which you’ve been accustomed to doing on a whim now have to be done discretely, because it’s likely your parents disapprove of them altogether, especially on their turf. This doesn’t mean you have to fully relinquish your autonomy, but this temporary

living arrangement can prompt awkward conversations and situations.

If you’re considering the prospect of bringing that special someone home to meet the folks, do you know what your parents’ stance would be on them staying over with you in your room?

Would they insist they sleep in the guest room?

For those who are single, or what Emma Watson prefers to call “self-partnered,” is your home and childhood bedroom suitable places to bring a stranger you met upon redownloading Tinder, J-Swipe in the North Shore, Bumble or Hinge?

If you’ve been successful thus far in concealing your recently acquired nicotine fix and one of the despots that raised you comes across a few empty Juul pods in the trash, what’s your story?

It is vital to either have preliminary discussions with your parents about their attitudes towards drinking, vaping and sleeping arrangements or bring up anecdotes about a made-up “friend” and their family to gauge how your parents respond and go from there. Because it is not only your parents you need to keep in mind, but also younger siblings if you have them.

It simply isn’t feasible to recreate your college living environment around kids still in elementary school. You can’t risk the potential consequences of an 11-year-old roaming around a kitchen with the fridge stocked with White Claw variety packs.

BRIAN BAUER THE DAILY ILLINI

A student holds their phone with the Tinder app open. Returning home after picking up college habits is difficult, especially when it comes to considering the way those vices may impact others.

If this is the case, that one kid from high school whose house was always open for people to throw parties at is a valuable resource to utilize, so be sure to stay on their good side.

In the end, all you can do is be mindful of your own circumstances at home, understand the people you’re dealing with and make the best

use of resources at your disposal. That way, you can make this winter break as enjoyable as possible before you have to start taking school seriously spring semester.

Noah is a junior in Business. noahd3@dailyillini.com

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Gift smarter as a broke college student

BY MEGHAN LYONS STAFF WRITER

Something dreadful is coming up. The first thing that probably jumps into your mind is the F-word: Finals. December is quite dreary with final exams, but in my eyes, there is something a little more worrisome. It is probably the last thing you would expect, but the scariest thing about the month of December is buying people Christmas gifts.

With the cost of student loans, pointless sorority fees, The Red Lion cover money and late-night food runs, I am absolutely broke.

With a whopping $1 in my savings account, I can assure you I will not be purchasing anybody AirPods or a skinned coyote (aka a Canada Goose jacket). Although, there is something worse than not being able to buy good presents for your friends and family, it is a situation like this on Christmas day.

It is Christmas morning, and all four of the grown-up children in my family run downstairs to the Christmas tree to open up gifts. Then everybody proceeds to open up their gifts, and in the end, our parents open up their gifts from the kids. Then, the time comes for the siblings to exchange gifts.

“Here’s a gift for you!” My sister hands me a gift.

“Oh, thanks,” I said.

“Do you have anything for me?” She replied.

“Uh. No.” As usual, the feeling of guilt will wash over you when you realize you’ve blown your money on pointless things at college rather than spending it to show appreciation for others in your life.

This is a horrible feeling. But alas, there is no need to fear. From the valuable knowledge I’ve gained over the past year and a half of being a college student, I have some advice to help fellow broke students like me not feel diabolical this holiday. No money? No problem. These wholesome gift ideas will keep your pockets full, as well as your heart.

Regift clothing

It has been sitting in the closet, collecting dust. If you aren’t familiar, our society is aiming to become more environmentally friendly. Regifting your clothing is just one way to show your love for Mother Earth as well as your disdain for American consumerism.

The gift of KAM’s

crafting. Relatives and friends love jewelry made from rubber bands.

Our good friend on Daniel Street is currently about to face the wrath of Cochrane’s wrecking ball, but that won’t stop you from sharing its spoils this holiday season. Instead All of your old textbooks contain of buying a gift, write a card promising one knowledge that could be gained by others. night out at the new KAM’s with unlimited You could try selling your originally $200 blue guys for when you actually have money. textbook for about $1 at the bookstore — but knowledge is priceless. Be sure to pass on your Differential Equations textbook to your little brother or sister. Who knows? They might learn something for once.

The gift of knowledge

Free t-shirts from Quad Day

Remember how you managed to collect all those awesome t-shirts from Quad Day that are now shoved in the back of your closet?

No textbooks, no free shirts? Is KAM’s not That really cool shirt from that RSO you never your thing? Looks like you’re out of luck. For joined could be put to good use. those of you who still have one, give them your heart. How can you do this? Wrap an empty box. As the recipient proceeds to open it, be sure to blast George Michael’s “Last Christmas.”

Now, there is no more fear to be had for Word on the street says rainbow loom Christmas shopping or for your bank account. bracelets are coming back — and they’re Happy holidays, Illini! coming back fast. All you need is a creative mindset and patience, as well as your old Meghan is a sophomore in LAS. rainbow loom from middle school. Get mslyons2@dailyillini.com

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Celebrate holidays, it’s not the break

BY BELLA KEYS STAFF WRITER

When you get to college, your friends become your family, especially your roommates. Therefore, when the holidays come around, it’s important to celebrate them with your college family, too.

There are many ways to go about this, and one of them could be decorating the apartment. As the holidays loom closer, everyone can go out and buy lights and wreaths. A great idea would be to add some Christmas cheer (if you celebrate Christmas) by buying a small tree that you can light up in the apartment. One of my roommates did this and we love it. Or if you’re Jewish, you could get a menorah to decorate the apartment with.

Another fun idea for celebrating the holidays is to do a gift exchange. If you and your roommates are jokesters, it could be fun to do a white elephant gift exchange. In this game, each roommate finds or buys a funny gift and wraps it up to exchange with another roommate. To play, you start with each roommate and they have a gift in front of them. Then everyone sits in a circle and picks a number. The person who gets the number one goes last, and the highest number goes

of gifts are just small things that you know your person will enjoy so maybe candy, jewelry, a small trinket, etc. It’s all about small, meaningful gifts that could give the chosen person a hint at your identity. Then, at the end of the week, you have to guess who your secret Santa is.

A final fun roommate activity would be to create your own advent calendar. To do this you would have to split the calendar up and instead of chocolates, each roommate would write something in the calendar. For example, this could be something like $10 for your next shopping trip, your next coffee is on me, etc.

For making the calendar, each roommate would create their own notes for a certain amount of days. Then the other roommates will open the boxes and receive their small gift. You can all share the calendar so one person does not have to create 25 little notes, PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN KAY but instead, for example, only about seven if Gifts lay under a Christmas tree. Beyond celebrating the holiday season with loved ones back there are four of you. home, extend the celebration to your college bubble by creating traditions with your roommates.

Hopefully these ideas give you and roommates something fun to do over the If a white elephant is not your style, there next few weeks to help you get into the spirit first. The first person chooses a gift that they want and trades presents with the person is also the option of secret Santa. Secret of winter holidays! who has their desired gift. This goes on until Santa is when each roommate gets another the person who chose one has gone. Then roommate and they have to secretly give Bella is a junior in LAS. everyone opens their mystery gifts. them gifts throughout the week. The types ikeys2@dailyillini.com

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Thursday, December 5, 2019

Spread holiday cheer without sacrificing your sanity

BY CLARE BUDIN ASSISTANT SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

The holiday season provides excellent opportunities to connect with family and friends, as everyone’s injected with a dose of the warm and cheery holiday spirit. However, even the most patient celebrator can grow sick of the thousandth rendition of “Jingle Bells” or the twentieth showing of “The Grinch” by their younger family members. To keep younger family members entertained without transforming into a holiday ax murderer by the end of “The 12 Days of Christmas,” here are some alternative holiday activities that people of all ages can get behind.

Work together on homemade decorations

When in doubt, expressing creativity or just laughing at your flimsy efforts to make a Christmas stocking or paper snowman is an easy gateway to holiday fun for all age groups.

Make sure the crafts chosen are relatively simple since there should be no pressure to end up with a masterpiece: For example, don’t depend on these crafts as gifts for your family members or try making stockings that can hold your stocking stuffers. These

crafts should mainly serve as decorations or festive keepsakes, keeping the memory of an exceptionally warm and comforting holiday season. If you’re scrambling for ideas, look no further than a local craft store. The shelves are chock full of kits for merry and bright creations perfect for this time of year.

Engage in outdoor fun

During the holiday break, many people develop a pattern of staying cooped up inside and avoiding any unpleasant contact with the nice-looking, but frigid winter, wonderland beyond the window. Not only will this lack of adventure frustrate younger family members, who enjoy waddling around in layers of coats and scarves outdoors, but it will also contribute to your frustration, as you inevitably reach a tipping point in the consumption of holiday songs, movies and specials. Basking in the refreshing winter of the holiday season is the only aspect of this season that can (hopefully) never be tainted by shallow and cynical consumerism. You don’t have to climb on a ramshackle sled yourself, but merely taking a walk through a special place while the kids roll around in the snow can be the antidote to holiday burn out that you’ve been looking for.

BRIGIDA DOCKUS THE DAILY ILLINI

People make a Kirby snow sculpture on the Main Quad. Although holiday traditions can be fun, sometimes it’s nice to take a break from cheery carols to do an alternate activity.

Go out to see a movie

when the weather’s too rough or frigid for romping outdoors, take your family to the movies for some fresh popcorn and a new exciting film. The most obvious choice this Christmas is the new Star Wars movie, but there will undoubtedly be plenty of other options, holiday-related or not, to satisfy the entire family.

At this point, I’ve seen the Rankin-Bass production of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” so many times, I can likely recite the whole thing from beginning to end. That’s right; precious brain space that could be filled with terms for an upcoming exam is currently being used on the complete lyrics for “The Island of Misfit Toys.” To avoid monotony Clare is a sophomore in Media. while keeping younger ones entertained claredb2@dailyillini.com

Thursday, December 5, 2019

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The Daily Illini

Stay relaxed during your busy winter break

BY SHIVALI SHUKLA STAFF WRITER

Hot cocoa. Marshmallows. Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey on the radio. Bright lights lining every corner. The holiday season is finally here, and no matter what you might associate this time of year with, it’s usually a time to wind down and enjoy a short break from the usual chaos of the semester.

However, it’s also pretty common to take this break as an extra opportunity to enroll in winter courses or cram for a major standardized exam.

I know this might make you feel like you’re not really getting time off at all, especially when you just finished a stressful semester. Despite this, there are definitely some things you can do to feel like you’re still getting some semblance of a break, even though you might have a bit of hard work ahead of you this holiday season.

Spend time with your loved ones

If you’re celebrating this holiday season at home with your family, it might be nice to dedicate at least a day or two per week to spending quality time with them or with your friends. Single out some time when you can just forget about the work you have to do and focus all your energy on the people you love. Go ice skating, reward yourself with a nice brunch, go see a local Christmas parade, book a lights tour, go holiday gift shopping or make some DIY holiday cards back at home.

Give yourself a mental break

Whatever it is you like to do, doing it with the people you love and actively choosing to not get distracted by your work will make it all the more relaxing experience. Even though you might have a lot to do, giving yourself a break here and there is a necessity no matter what time of the year it is. The holiday season is just an excuse to give yourself a few more than usual. Put all your energy into these breaks, and don’t let your mind wander back to all the work you have to do. The key here is to make sure that when you’re not doing your work, you’re not thinking about it, either. Out of sight means out of mind.

CASSIDY BRANDT THE DAILY ILLINI

Make doing work fun

When you unfortunately do have to crack down and get back to business, try studying with friends. Make it a fun experience by playing your favorite holiday tunes, get some hot chocolate or seasonal coffee and find a new study spot.

Maybe get together at a friend’s house and study in your PJs. If you try to avoid your usual study spots

and get creative in finding new ones, it’ll really change your whole school experience. Don’t go to the same library you always frequent during the semester; change it up and do something different. If you tend to usually find yourself at a library on campus, try to find a coffee shop back home for a change of pace. If you’re on vacation, lay out a blanket and crank out that essay on the beach. It really does alter your perspective and

how you feel at the end of the day. Avoid the might have more free time than you, ask them to same, monotonous routine, and you won’t feel test you on concepts or teach them what you’re like you’re stuck in the middle of the semester. learning. Find ways to study that work for you and spend time with your loved ones at once. That’s something you definitely can’t do on campus, so take advantage of it this holiday season.

Along with finding new places to study, try to find new methods of studying as well. While Shivali is a junior in AHS. you’re surrounded by friends and family who sshukl5@dailyillini.com

Test new study routines

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Thursday, December 5, 2019

Thursday, December 5, 2019

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14

Flourish in spirit during finals season

BY AVA TRAVERSO SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

After returning to campus from Thanksgiving break, it’s exciting to be able to celebrate Christmas with your college friends before going back home for the holiday break. Then, your stomach drops when you remember all the exams, papers and assignments left to turn in over the final two weeks of the semester. All can seem lost when it comes to being able to get into the Christmas spirit, but there are quick changes you can make that can get you in the flow of celebrating and enjoying the season. No matter what your stress or resources are this time around, there are still fun ways to be able to celebrate the holidays while simultaneously buckling down for the end of your classes.

Indulge in your favorite holiday treats

While it can be difficult to make time to decorate or go gift shopping while you are on campus, getting holiday-themed food and drink is something that can be attained at almost every coffee shop or restaurant near the University. This time of year, festive flavors take center stage with a variety like white chocolate, gingerbread, peppermint and apple cider. Taking a sip or a bite of something seasonal while you study can help you think of the fun to come over break when your finals stress has finally ended. It also can be a perfect time to take advantage of the limited edition flavors only available when winter rolls around.

Watch festive movies or shows

After a long day of attending classes, working or studying at the library, it can be incredibly relaxing to unwind with a funny show or movie when you get home for the night. This self-care ritual can be another way to get into the Christmas spirit, too. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video can be a perfect place to start when finding a great holiday watch. If you are not feeling a full-length movie, shows can be a great alternative. Popular shows like “The Office,” “Friends,” “Gilmore Girls” and “Parks and Recreation” all have one or more episodes relating to the holiday season. Watching holiday shows or movies can also be a way to celebrate with your friends or significant other without putting in too much effort. No matter what you chose, it’s the perfect lazy way to get in the spirit of the season.

BRIAN BAUER THE DAILY ILLINI

A christmas tree stands in the Murphy Gallery at the University YMCA on December 3. Ava says get into the holiday spirit in places with no spirit.

Make everyday tasks jolly

Take time to transform the monotony of your to-do list to be more festive. When studying, try to play some holiday music or have a festive movie playing in the background. When going out to the bars with friends before finals or to celebrate Reading Day Eve, wear ugly Christmas sweaters and vote on whose is the tackiest. You

could also drink festive alcoholic beverages like spiked egg nog or mulled wine (if you are of age, of course). Most of the activities you have to do during your day can have a holiday twist if you get creative. Not only will these methods make you feel merry and bright, but it can also get you more excited to do things you might be dreading, like writing the term paper you procrastinated until now.

These are only a few suggestions as to how to incorporate the holidays into your everyday life

this season. No matter what habits you decide to adopt or leave behind from this list, the holidays are what you make it. As long as you are enjoying the season and taking the time to check in with yourself, there are no set requirements on how to be festive. Just make sure to take the time this year to appreciate the good things in your life, and you cannot go wrong.

Ava is a junior in ACES. avat2@dailyillini.com

The Daily Illini

Thursday, December 5, 2019

15

Make a difference by shopping small

BY AVA TRAVERSO

SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

Once the finals season is over and you can finally relax at home, it may seem that the rest of the holiday season will be nothing but smooth sailing. However, the holidays can offer more stress than school, and one of the largest sources tends to be gift-giving. Whether you waited too late to order online or have no idea where to start, shopping locally might be the solution to your stresses. Getting the perfect gift for your loved ones can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be. Close that tab on Amazon and make sure to bundle up because you’re going shopping.

Focus on the unique items

While it may seem like the easiest option to use the two-day prime shipping on Amazon, try to refrain from using sites like this one. Through my experiences of shopping locally, you are able to find unique and beautiful items that would be hard to find on regular websites or in chain stores such as Target or Walmart. For example, during my trip to Austin, Texas, in November, so many of the local shops had items from local artists and creators. Shopping locally can give you a great opportunity to break away from the monotony that can come with gift-giving and can additionally give you the opportunity to discover your new favorite creative.

Give back to your community

One of the best reasons to shop at small businesses this gift-giving season is. When you shop locally, you are helping that community directly. When you buy an item from a familyowned business, your money is going toward more than lining a billionaire’s pockets. You are helping real people better their lives. You are helping parents pay for their child’s education.

You are helping someone make their bills. You are helping someone buy a plane ticket to visit their family. The small act of doing something such as making a purchase, but on a local scale, can have a huge payback for a small business owner.

Not only does it help the owner, but the money given to these businesses can also give back to help the community. The taxes from your purchases go directly back into the town.

That means you can help better the schools, the infrastructure, and the public works, other services that directly benefit you. Any angle you look at it from, shopping small can make a big impact.

Become part of a personal experience

My personal experience with shopping small is that my parents own their own business. . The regulars who have come into our place for years have become something like family to my parents and the staff. Shopping small allows you to have a much more personal experience than if you were in a department store or shopping online. Being able to communicate with hardworking people who put their hearts into their businesses can be much more fulfilling than any other shopping medium.

No matter where you hail from, there are likely to be plenty of stores in your hometown that can offer great gifts for everyone on your list. If you are from the Champaign-Urbana area or want to get your shopping done before the semester is through, there are tons of locally owned shops within the bus routes or walking distance of campus. Some places to start your quest include Jane Addams Book Shop, Dandelion Vintage and Bohemia, to name a few. There are many more small businesses within the C-U area I have not listed, so make sure to take a look. You might find your next favorite store.

Ava is a junior in ACES. avat2@dailyillini.com

KENYON EDMOND THE DAILY ILLINI

Patrons of Exile on Main Street shop for vinyl records on April 13.

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Thursday, December 5, 2019

16

Eat Breakfast, lunch, cake, coffee at Intermezzo cafe

shop Lovely gifts, funny cards, tasty snacks at Promenade Showcase + Gift Shop

play Stunning spaces, amazing artistry, down-to-earth vibe and U of I students never pay more than $10 a ticket

at Krannert Center

KrannertCenter.com 217.333.6280

The Daily Illini