Last week was a blur. I think I did everything I was supposed to on time, but it’s tough to say that I did it well, considering I did more work than I possibly ever have before.

don’t really remember what happened prior to Wednesday, but I know I was actively participating in life and class. Luckily, I snapped out of it mid-week, only to realize I was somehow on the Wisconsin Communist Party’s mailing list (What?! How?!) and, more importantly, that I totally forgot it was Christmastime.

Maybe the Communist Party of Wisconsin brainwashed me.

Anyway, I was reminded of my most favorite time of the year (except summer, spring and fall) earlier this week after dodging near-catastrophe in the Raynor lobby.

I had been running — a feat for me, a very unnatural runner — from the basement, prepping for the Revitalizing Marquette forum I had been working on all semester. I had put on nice clothes and make-up, done my hair even. I looked the part of a professional, but if anyone had taken a moment to look into my eyes, they would have seen sheer panic. I had about 70 papers in my hand and was frantically texting myself to-do lists, mid-freak out.

I kept pausing to look at people, probably desperate to see someone else’s struggle. My stressful glances were often returned by similar stares, and I was calmed slightly by others’ anxiety.

Aside from those brief exchanges, however, I was enthralled within my own worries and completely oblivious to my surroundings. Looking at my phone, pursing my lips, I was concentrating on simultaneously breathing while texting as I passed through the turnstyle — stopping just before I crashed into a 20-foot evergreen.

That would have been embarrassing.

I stopped, took a deep breath and stepped backward, just looking at this mighty tree in front of me. I turned to peer into the library. Sure enough, garland was going up, wreaths were being hung, and there were lights and bows being wheeled toward me to adorn the tree. I was stunned.

The fact I had completely missed this awesome display of festivity beforehand was disturbing. How had I become so wrapped up that I neglected the wrapping going on around me? Yes, I was busy. But my favorite time to be in the library is when the halls have been decked. How cheery, how lovely, to have a place to study that is not a cave, but in fact the hub of holiday cheer on campus.

Nearly knocking out such cheer by running into it made me realize, there is more to December at school than finals and stress. There is even time for festivity beyond ugly Christmas sweater parties. As we spend our days being consumed in preparation for class requirements, I think we need to take the time to be consumed with good spirit, especially toward the rest of the world.

Taking time to appreciate that we are not the only ones struggling — that, in fact, many are suffering much beyond anything we could imagine — is sort of what Christmas is all about. Appreciating one another for our goodness can put our stress into perspective.

Since Christmas spirit almost hit me right in the face, I have been sure to take a deep breath every time I pass that tree in the library lobby or see someone carrying a red Starbucks cup and remember life goes beyond exams.

Yes, we are annoyed by group projects and papers, distraught by upcoming exams and assignments. Yes, we have much to do before we go home for a month long respite. Yes, we have consumed copious amounts of caffeine in the past weeks.

But there is much to enjoy this holiday season: Good health, good education and good friends. And since we are already spending time in the library, we might as well take a moment to look around and see some holiday cheer — and then pass it on.