‘Tis the season for project and paper due dates, all night cram sessions and freaking out over finals. The last few weeks of the semester are pretty much guaranteed to be busy and full of stress. With all of the distractions around us, it’s easy to forget about the holiday season and that it’s a time we should be enjoying.

But thankfully, Iowa State is giving us an opportunity to let loose and forget about our stress for a while today at the Memorial Union: WinterFest.

WinterFest is an annual event that features activities that allow students to get out of their studying funk and enjoy the season.

We think such festivities are more than welcome. After all, we haven’t had any truly frigid temperatures that we can hide from under blankets with that special someone, no excuse to sip from a boiling “oo, my tongue!” hot cup of cocoa, and no snow with which to build various snow structures or sled upon.

Although the main events run from 5 to 9 p.m., WinterFest also has activities that run the course of the day.

Beginning at 7:45 a.m., the University Book Store will host its annual holiday open house. The event will feature specials and doorbusters, much like Black Friday.

This will be a great opportunity to do some holiday shopping, in the event some people on your list are really hoping for some ISU merchandise. If you’re looking for something not ISU-branded, the Art Mart: Arts and Crafts Sale will be going on from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., selling blown glass, pottery and jewelry.

From 3 to 6 p.m., Kathy Geoffroy will be hosting the holiday open house at The Knoll, where hot chocolate will be served.

If shopping and hot chocolate don’t do the trick to cure your finals week blues, head to www.sac.iastate.edu/en/sac_annual_events/winterfest for the full schedule of the evening festivities.

You can take out your anger during a game of laser tag in the Great Hall, cozy up in a carriage ride around campus, show off your skills in a Wii Rock Band tournament, make a winter craft, judge a cookie contest, see a comedy show or enjoy free ice skating.

So try to keep the season in mind while you’re busy studying, and head on over to the Memorial Union for some stress relieving fun.