Finally, now that we have some minuscule flurries of snow wafting around our campus, it’s starting to really feel like the holiday season. Whether you’re Jewish, Muslim, Christian, agnostic, atheist, or whatever else, it’s kind of nice to sense that wintery charm in the air, even if it means relentless commercialism and too much sugar. So why not capitalize on that and decorate your room a little?

Ally Bernstein ’13 came up with a whimsical idea that, honestly, works year-round. Just gather some of those pinecones that are plentiful in Middletown, and spray-paint them  gold (or silver, or bronze). Hang them up on your balcony, in your window, or from your ceiling for a prettily rustic touch.

Another pine idea – gather up some small branches and place them in vases. I like to use mini alcohol bottles for this function – peppermint schnapps are particularly festive.

Make the perfect DIY New Year’s lamp by wrapping Christmas lights (yeah, yeah, a dorm room staple) around an empty magnum of champagne. This is so easy to do that I recommend having a champagne-and-crafts party. Just be sure to completely finish the bottle before plugging it in.

We all know that everyone reads SkyMall when they fly home for Thanksgiving. If you’re smart, you stole a copy from the plane, and now have pages full of “Bigfoot the Christmas Yeti” ornaments and Harry Potter’s wand. Put that paper to good use and make some paper snowflakes!

Bored with friends? Have a card-making party. This sounds a little lame, but I experienced one on a snowy eve last year when my flight was delayed and I had to spend an extra night at Wes. A few good friends, some whisky, Wet Hot American Summer, and paper and pastels made the night fly by. Our works of art are on my wall right now. Check out Danny Witkin ‘13’s masterpiece.

Now that your room is a little more festive, it’s time to pour some peppermint schnapps in your hot chocolate, turn on the Pokémon Christmas Bash album (yes, it exists, and I own it), and invite a few friends over. Cheers!