I’m originally from Jackson Hole, WY – one of the coldest, snowiest places in the country. But even though blizzards there are as commonplace as rats in a subway station, I never had a single snow day growing up. Why, you ask? Because when it snows all the time, it’s nothing special, and school just goes on. But I always wanted a snow day so, so badly.

In honor of my childhood dream, here’s a list of movies for the perfect snow day marathon. I recommend combining this list of comedies, thrillers, and childhood flashbacks with some hot chocolate and a cute cuddle partner!

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The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone, especially if you’re forced to spend time with relatives and engage in pointless small talk. Having to tell your Aunt Lucy for the 100th time that you do not have a boyfriend and, yes, you’re okay with it can get a bit tiresome. During the holiday season with my family, after the fifth or sixth Christmas cookie and 73rd glass of eggnog, I’m ready to to just relax and watch a nice Christmas flick. Sometimes all we want to do is just go hide in our rooms and be alone. But sometimes that’s not an option, and the closest we can get to some kind of sanity is sitting everyone down to watch a movie. No talking, no stress.

Everyone has their favorites, and I think I’ve collected some of the greats.

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I am WELL aware that I missed a ton of awesome Christmas movies, and this list is far from complete. So let me know which are your favorites to watch on Christmas Eve!

Katie is finishing up her undergrad at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. She enjoys wasting hours on Facebook and tweeting things no one cares about. When asked the question, “Do you do marathons?” She promptly responds, “Of course! Which show?” Follow her @KatieGarrity!

So here a few ideas to make those 24 hours blissful and entertaining!

1. Go on a reality TV binges
There’s really so much to choose from. Jersey Shore, My Life As Liz, or my personal favorite, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, or any other offshoot of that show that has to do with the Kardashians. (I simply love that family. They’re just too entertaining. It should be illegal…but I’m really glad it’s not.) There’s really nothing better than watching impossibly raunchy boys, a strong-willed indie redhead, or amazingly chic girls while lazing about on the couch with a bag of chips and a blanket. Nothing.

2. Check out a buy one, get one free at H&M
“Buy one get one,” “free,” and “sale” are three of my favorite phrases. They’re even better when they’re applied to stores I actually like shopping at! Like H&M, for example. Have you seen their spring line?! Gorgeous. Plus, they’re always having sales and discounts (and I’m sure they’re running an Easter sale today), so it’s hard not to feed into the shopping frenzy that leaves your wallet lighter and your hands heavier (bags don’t carry themselves, you know). Clothing is a necessity, after all!

3. Run to the jewelry sale at Anthropologie
Anthropologie, for a poor student like myself, is such a tease. Thankfully, their jewelry is always being updated with new shipments so their old jewelry that didn’t sell goes on SALE. For instance, I am now the proud (and fabulous) owner of the most beautiful necklace ever and I couldn’t be happier. It’s finally affordable! I strongly suggest you put on some pants, brush your teeth and find the nearest store. You will not be disappointed!

4. Plan a movie marathon
Remember the oldies? They’re the best. Mean Girls, Never Been Kissed, John Tucker Must Die… All fantastic options for Good Friday. (Here are some more great line ups to put a smile on your face.) Add in chocolate popcorn, friends, and a huge TV and you’ve got yourself the perfect scene to do absolutely nothing and still have a great time. (Plus, I’ve tried that chocolate popcorn recipe with DELICIOUS success!)

5. Bake something delicious
What can be more comforting, relaxing, and endorphin-inducing than freshly baked brownies, cookies, or cupcakes? Plus, it just makes the air around these baked goods smell so heavenly. Need some inspiration? Check out all our super easy college-dorm-friendly recipes!

6. Watch the Entire Season of Pretty Little Liars
If you’re like me, you’ve already seen the entire season of Pretty Little Liars… and probably re-watched a bunch of episodes. But if you’re also like me,  you never saw all the episodes at once. (College is not very conducive to my TV-watching habits.) So here’s your chance! One day to just watch the entire season at once with no interruptions! And if you haven’t seen this show yet, you must. It’s the best of drama, fashion, and life lessons about family, friends, and love that you’ll ever find.

7. Give yourself a spa day
I don’t know about you privileged people, but when I get stressed, like right about now since the semester is ending, I get really terrible skin. It’s gross. That’s why Good Friday is perfect for a spa day! It’ll get you all refreshed for the weekend and erase all the work and stress you had to endure earlier that week. Between masks and hot stone massages and calming music, you’ll have no choice but to unwind and enjoy life. Even if it’s just for a few minutes! And it doesn’t have to break the bank because we have great DIY dorm room spa ideas.

8. Play boardgames in your PJ’s
I know what you’re thinking: lame. But recapturing your childhood and lazing about is the BEST way to forget about present troubles, like school and friends and family and whatever else is causing stress in your life. (Read: boys.) Plus, who doesn’t have fond memories of Scrabble, Taboo, and Monopoly?

9. Go on an Online Shopping Bonanza
One of my vices, besides pizza and lipstick, is online shopping. I. Love. Online. Shopping. Love it. Between Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Nasty Gal, and Topshop, I can easily kill 5-8 hours of time. There’s just so much to look at! And of course there’s the ease of shopping from the comfort of your Hello Kitty shorts and plush pillows. Instant happiness!

10. Read Lolita
I know, I know. Reading doesn’t sound like the best way to spend 24 hours of stress-less freedom. But trust me, it is! Lolita, if you haven’t read it, is a scintillating tale an European intellectual struggling with memories of a lost adolescent love. Scandalous, right? Not only is it erotic, romantic, lyrical, and funny, it’s also one of the books a lot of professors and colleges suggest you should read! So not only is it entertaining, it’s educational! And who doesn’t like a little scandalous romance…?

And if none of that works, there’s always this.

Happy sigh. Just listing all these things is already putting me in a better mood. What will you be doing to make this a GREAT Friday?

If your copy of “How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days” has seen its days and you’re desperately looking for a marathon that doesn’t include the real housewives from anywhere, grab some popcorn and cosmopolitans because you’re in for a seriously good time (from the comfort of your warm, cozy couch) if you pick any of the marathons listed below.

1. The Judd Apatow Saga: The ’80s had the brat pack but we’ve got the comedic crew of a lifetime led by fearlessly funny director Judd Apatow. Names like Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen, Jason Segal, Jonah Hill, and Steve Carrell cover the IMDb lists of Apatow’s movies, each one of them making us realize how sexy a how sense of humor really is.

Movie List: Knocked Up, The 40 Year Old Virgin, Pineapple Express and Forgetting Sarah Marshall

2. The Lindsay Lohan Pre-Rehab Marathon: If you need a reminder why everyone is so obsessed with the ins and outs of Lindsay Lohan’s stints at rehab, this marathon is just the fix. Sure, the past few years haven’t exactly been LiLo’s best and brightest, but she wasn’t always a bad girl. Time to grab your ankle bracelet because with a movie list like this, you won’t be leaving the house for a while.

Movie List: The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday, Mean Girls and Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen

3. Classics That We Should All See Once, Just To Say You’ve Seen Them: Some things for us are just classic, like Ryan Reynolds shirtless and waking up next to the guy you asked all your friends to keep you away from (and reminding yourself not to do that again), but some classics are before our time. Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, are all names we know but have you actually seen their movies? If you’re in need of a classic movie rundown, you’re in luck. Oh, and if you think Ryan Reynolds is sexy, wait until you see a semi-shirtless Marlon Brandon cry out “Stellaaaaaa.”

Movie List: A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, Some Like It Hot and Breakfast At Tiffany’s

4. ’90s Teen Movies: If you’re missing your spaghetti strap tanks and your platform Sketchers, grab all your Beanie Babies and your old Bop magazines, sink into your inflatable chair and head down memory lane with these movies. If the wardrobe doesn’t bring you back to your early teen years, the plots of heartbreak and crushes sure will. Search your drugstore for a facial mask, grab your bestie and paint each other’s nails and make a sleepover out of it, just like freshman year of high school when you couldn’t party on Friday nights because you couldn’t drive.

Movie List: She’s All That, 10 Things I Hate About You, Clueless and Spiceworld

5. Wintery Romantic Comedies: Because romantic comedies just seem more romantic when it’s cold outside. Call your friends and get out of going out tonight (tell them you’re sick, cough, cough,) so you can indulge in the guiltiest of movie marathons. Throw on a plush sweater and your Uggs, make some hot cocoa with extra marshmallows and keep a box of tissues near by (just in case) and follow the adventures of finding love in the coldest months with some of your best girlfriends, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Movie List: The Holiday, Love Actually, The Family Stone and Serendipity

Let’s be honest. There were times when you weren’t sure you’d make it. You were optimistic back in August, but less so as the months wore on. You started your countdown on Halloween, and were ready to tear your own hair out over Thanksgiving break. By the time finals week had rolled around you had already checked out. But somehow, somehow you’ve managed to make it through.

Well…almost.

Another few days and you’ll be free and clear. Done. Dunzo. Getting the hell out of Dodge. The fall 2010 semester will be over and you’ll be able to do whatever you like over the break. Want to know what I’m looking forward to the most?

10. Catching up with the high school BFFs. You never would have made it through prom without them and you’ll never make it through six weeks at home with your parents without them either. Go to the movies. Go to the bars. Sneak beer into your parents’ basement like you’re still 16. Or braid each other’s hair like you’re still six. Whatever. Like you really need me to tell you how to have a good time, right?

9. Movie marathons. There’s just something about those lazy days. Those days when you just know you won’t be getting out of your pajamas, the days when all you want to do is eat some Chunky Monkey and watch a few chick flicks. There’s no use fighting it, so pick your favorites and plop. Personally I’m planning on a Back to the ’90s sort of day.  Heath Ledger 10 Things I Hate About You and Freddie Prince Jr. She’s All That? Yes, please.

8. Organizing everything. Whenever the semester starts, everything is always so organized. My files are backed up on my external hard drive.  My iTunes music is arranged into the perfect playlists. All of my notes are placed neatly in my binders. I can find any book I want on my bookshelf. But somehow, as the semester wore on, I forget to back up my files. That new Katy Perry song never made it onto my playlist. And I’m pretty sure I haven’t seen my microbiology textbook since the first day of classes…

7. Enjoying some home cooked meals. No, not just the holiday meals and the week’s worth of leftovers that will surely follow, but your childhood favorites too. The dinners mom knows you love, the chocolate chip pancakes no one makes quite like your dad, or even your grandmother’s famous sugar cookies. (Note to self: Don’t forget all the elastic waist pants….)

6. Reading a book for enjoyment. I’m an English major. I read ALL. THE. TIME. But they’re not always books that I enjoy. (Oddly enough, before this semester I’d never felt inclined to have a go at 18^th Century Literature.) And even if they are books I enjoy I’m not reading them for enjoyment. I’m analyzing them. Most of the time from some crazy Marxist/Feminist/Deconstruction point of view that, I assure you, the original author never meant for us to use.

5. Sleeping until 2 p.m. Not that this one really needs an explanation or anything, but I have been looking forward to this moment since the first Monday morning I was unable to press the snooze button.

4. Hitting the post holiday sales. Yes, yes, I know you just finished shopping. But this shopping isn’t for other people, this shopping is for you. All those great gifts you wished someone would get you when you were shopping for other people?  Now you can get them for yourself. For a bazillion percent less. Go for it. And return that ugly sweater your aunt got you while you’re at it.

3. Catching up on my favorite TV shows. What’s that? You missed the last episode of Gossip Girl? (Editor’s Note: WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?) You haven’t seen the latest episode of Glee? You haven’t been watching Grey’s Anatomy all season long? That’s okay; you have plenty of time to catch up! And the shows are all online now, anyway so you can grab that laptop and snuggle up in your childhood bedroom (surrounded by all your old favorite Beanie Babies and stuff).  Sure, you have to sit through those annoying ads for Lysol and birth control but at least you don’t have to wait three whole agonizing months to find out if Mark and Lexie are ever going to get back together!

2. Pampering myself. Just a little bit. Probably one of the things I am most looking forward to is having the time for a day of rest and relaxation. It will start will a trip to Starbucks, then I’ll head to the salon to finally get my hair trimmed, and then if I’m really feeling the love for myself I might even work in a manicure. One day of being pampered, just one. Because, honestly we all deserve it.

1. Doing absolutely nothing of importance. My absolute favorite part of winter break. You really don’t have to do anything. No dire emergencies. No homework assignments. No club meetings or class schedules. No appropriate times to sleep or dining hall hours to remember. You can do whatever you want whenever you want because you want to. Or you can do nothing at all. It’s perfectly acceptable. Because you’re on winter break. So enjoy it while you can.

Of course I’ve trekked through the snow on my way to class, stayed in bed for days on end and silently cursed the snow plows that prevented a well deserved snow day, but did I really enjoy winter? With February already behind us I’m left with a laundry list of to-dos before winter is gone for another whole year.

In case anyone else is in the same predicament, I have the top ten things everyone should do before winter comes to a screeching halt.

1. Cafeteria tray sledding. “Borrow” some trays, grab five of your friends and head over to the hill behind the dorms before all that snow turns to a slushy mess.

2. Mix peppermint schnapps and Cocoa. It’s the perfect complement to sledding. Just remember, kids: wrap up the celebration with this warm concoction. I learned the hard way that the liquor and sledding combo don’t end well.

3. Bake cookies (or just eat all the dough).

4. Take advantage of winter sales. When stores need to get rid of their winter inventory to make room for all the bikinis it means gigantic sweater sales. Winter may be on its way out, but there’s no reason not to go out in style.

5. Keep warm with someone hot. There is no better way to spend a cold night than getting steamy with the guy from next door.

6. Make your own ice luge.

7. Bundle up in warm trendy layers. I can’t get enough of wooly tights, boots, scarves and mittens.

8. Snowboarding, skiing, ice skating. I’m not an athlete but there’s something about repeatedly falling down that just makes me happy.

9. Movie Marathon: Stay in all day long and watch a lot of crappy movies. Once it gets warm you won’t get the chance.

10. Self proclaimed snow day. Who says your campus has the final say in what is deemed “safe” to travel in. I say send your professor a quick email, get the notes from a friend and spend the day enjoying winter the right way.

So you’re stuck on campus for Spring Break, watching people flee to warmer climates or their parents’ house. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to be bored. There are plenty things to do on campus that are fun and don’t break the bank.

Have a beach party – just because you’re not at the beach doesn’t mean you can’t pretend you are. Break out the bikinis and shorts, blend up some margaritas and blast the songs that remind you of summer. Invite others that stuck on campus. You might even find a cute boy you can ‘lei’.

Theme parties – Still not in shape to don your bikini? What about another type of theme party? Have a moustache party (no you don’t have to grow one, just squiggle a nice one on your finger and hold it up to your face). Or you could try out our makeup tips for a decade party. Or how about a party from one of those fabulous places you didn’t get to travel this break. Fiesta anyone?

Be a tourist in your city – Chances are while you’re in school you don’t have a lot of time to get out and explore the city or town you’re living in. Getting to know your town is one of the things you must do before you graduate, so why not do it now? If there are museums in your area, find out when they have free admission, or discount days and check them out. Or find all the weird and wonderful attractions and go take pictures with everything! Not only will it be fun finding all the odd things in your city (my hometown has a parking garage filled with life-size cow statues) but you’ll also end up with a fun set of staycation pictures for everyone to look at!

Be productive – You’ve got things to do and now is the perfect time to catch up. Some schools even have seminars during reading week. At mine they have a weeks worth of job-hunting, resume writing, interviewing seminars that may come in handy. And with the head start on the job hunt, maybe you’ll score an amazing job that means you can go away next Spring Break!

Movie marathons – Get together everyone you know for an epically long themed movie-marathon. You could have everyone bring their favorite movie and watch them all, have an 80s movie night, a slasher-flick marathon or a cheesy-chick flick night. Or, if you’ve missed all your favourite TV shows, catch up on those.

Clothing swap – Get all the girls together for a clothing swap. Chances are your closet needs some new life, so trade in the items you no longer wear for something new. It also gives you a chance to get rid of the temptation of any super tight items leftover from that pre-frosh-15 days.

Game Night — Got any board games lying around or know any good card games? Why not have a games night? Are there cute boys around? As they demonstrate in Friends, every game can have the ‘strip’ element added to it.

So even if you are on campus there are plenty of ways to have fun this break. As with any break, there are the people to avoid after you head back to classes. What is everyone doing to recession proof their breaks?

It is all cheesy movie marathons, holiday jams, catching up on magazines, and heavy carbs for the next few weeks. No more frozen ears walking to class, IM fighting with the roommate who never does her dishes, or long nights in the freaking library. (Although, I really can’t complain that much; at least I’m not this girl.)

And maybe I can finally get over that dude who is so not into me and have me a little holiday fling. That would be nice.

I do have one thing to worry about, though, and that is what the hell to get my parents. Maybe my dad will want the new Burger King cologne? And maybe some makeup brushes for mom? Definitely not the female condom. Ew.

I could just win that sweet new AT&T Palm Centro and give it to one of them. Wait, I want that one for myself. After all, after a week like mine, I deserve it.

If you can travel…

Hey, if you’ve got the funds, lucky you. Hit up another country and see how they do New Years. You don’t regret it. If you’re still underage, Canadian cities can be quite the hotspot (take it from someone who spent her last <21 New Years in Montreal, after a 10-hour road strip). If you’re loaded despite being in college during the recession, head on over to Europe. Hate the cold? Sing Auld Lang Syne in Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic.

Okay, those are nice ideas in a fantasy world… but let’s move onto options for those of us who can’t cough up the money for airfare.

If you want to travel but can’t afford it…

Throw a Chinese New Year’s party. Okay, so technically the CNY kicks off February 1, but who cares? Cater your party with Egg Rolls and Fortune Cookies (way cheaper than many food options), decorate with paper dragons, and serve Sake till the last Geisha’s standing.

Create Your Own Times Square. NYC is pretty much insane on New Year’s anyway. Hang a disco ball from the ceiling and buy skyscraper cut-outs for the walls. Have everyone dress up (because in college, the land of hoodies and sweatshirts, you can never have too many fancy-dress parties), and broadcast the Manhattan festivities on your TV in the background. It’ll be warmer than Times Square, and you probably won’t have any bums hitting you up for spare change on the way home.

Throw a Hotel Party…in the Next Town Over. Grab a room at the Best Western or the HoJo, and pretend you’re at the Ritz Carlton. Nobody will have to drive, you won’t have to clean up, and maybe you can work it so you share a queen bed with your crush.

If you really don’t care about traveling, and just want to have a good time:

Throw a “My Tie” party. If you can make a large quantity of Mai Tais in a punch bowl, more power to you. But encourage everyone to dress business-casual, and when the men arrive, have them remove their ties and throw them in a basket. The ladies then choose a tie, and the man who belongs to that piece of neckwear is her date for the night. Takes the pressure off of finding a kiss at Midnight.

New Year’s Resolutions parties can also be fun, because we all have them, and none of us stick to them. Wear a necklace made of empty Marlboro boxes if you plan to quit smoking, or wear some hot spandex if you vow to go to the gym more regularly. Things can get pretty effing creative here. Not into costumes? Have everyone throw their resolution into a hat, and try to guess who is giving up what this year.

Have a Blind Date. They say the way you ring in the new year is a prediction of how the next 365 days will unfold. Plan a girl’s night and go Speed Dating as a group, or see if any bachelors have posted on CrazyBlindDate.com. The key is to get your friends involved, so that at the very least, you can have a laugh. New Year’s Eve is all about letting loose isn’t it?

If you really don’t care about getting smashed…

Check out your city’s First Night. There’s bound to be fireworks, free live music, and tons of street vendors. Many cities across the US host First Night celebrations, and they are quite lucrative.

Host a Best-Of 2008 Movie Marathon. Curl up with some take-out and a stash of DVDs – just be sure to press pause for the Ball Drop at midnight!

Make Some Money. I’ve had my share of insane NYE celebrations. So last year, I opted to wait tables, since every weekend for me is as crazy as the novice’s New Year. The tips were good, and I was still out by midnight. And I made up for missing the big party by having several “No Reason” celebrations. Scour Craigslist and you’ll see tons of opportunities to work at private parties on the 31st. You never know what kind of adventure will actually unravel.