For college students, Auburn can be a tough town to live in when the University isn't in session. It can be hard to stay behind after all your college friends leave to go back home.
That's why it's important to keep finding things to do in Auburn, even over the break. Don't lock yourself up in your room to binge Netflix. You owe it to yourself to get out there and explore Auburn. There's a surprising amount of things to do, even when no one else is in town.
The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art stays open for some of the break. It's running an exhibit called Rembrandt, Rubens, and Gainsborough, and the Golden Age of Painting in Europe through Jan. 4. You can always drive down South College Street to check out some of the finest European paintings ever made, all through break. The Museum will be closed Dec. 22-25 and Dec. 29-Jan. 1 for Christmas and the New Year.
You can also take advantage of the reduced crowds to see this year's slate of Christmas movies. Imagine how much more you can enjoy films like "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" and "The Imitation Game" when you're not fighting anyone else for the good seats in the theater.
If you're not in the mood to stay inside, Auburn always has some fun stuff going on outdoors. Chewacla State Park stays open during the break. Even when it's cold out, the park is always good for a brisk hike. Don't try renting one of the canoes or kayaks, though. It's definitely too chilly for that.
The only bad part about visiting Chewacla is the couple dollars it charges for entrance. For a free outdoors experience, try the Davis Nature Preserve on North College Street. It offers a nice set of hiking trails for free. I've hiked the park before, and it's a nice experience. The trees aren't as lush in the winter, but it's still a way to get out of the house.
For those more interested in a sports experience, the Auburn men's basketball team keeps playing over break. They have a game against Texas Southern on Dec. 23 and one against Middle Tennessee on Dec. 29.
You could also give back some this Christmas. The Lee County Humane Society always appreciates volunteers who come by when the place is open (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) to walk the dogs and let them work out some of their energy. It's free, you get to play with dogs and do something good all at the same time.
Similarly, you can always volunteer at different charitable organizations. The holidays are always a busy time for charities. Doing some good and making someone else's Christmas happier can be the perfect way to spend the holidays. Volunteering for something like The Food Bank of East Alabama is as easy as walking in and asking to help.
Regardless of what you choose to do, there are still things to do in Auburn over break. It's just a matter of pushing yourself to find them.
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