Once you move away from home, though, taking part in each activity and tradition isn't as much of a priority. Or, maybe, you simply live too far away to make it home for every little event.

The first few holidays away from home can be a bummer, but it's also a great time to try new things and start new traditions. If you ever find yourself away from family for all or most of the holiday season, perhaps the following suggestions will add some cheer to the end of the year.

Take part in local celebrations

Just like each family has holiday traditions, so does each town and city. Maybe your local theater puts on a good production of the Christmas Carol every year, or does a citywide sub-for-Santa. Churches also have plenty going on during the holidays. Try to participate in as many activities as you can. Not only is this a great way to meet new people, but it also helps make your new home feel more like home.

Celebrate with friends

Who says the holidays should be all about family? Thanksgiving and Christmas can be just as special with friends who live nearby. Like you, they may also wish they could be home for the holidays, but banding together during this special time of year can create strong bonds of friendship.

Start your own traditions

Traditions are harder to establish when you're living with roommates, who tend to come and go fairly often, but it's well worth the effort. Something as simple as finding a small Christmas tree and a string of lights to brighten up your home can go a long way in getting you in the holiday spirit. Try some new recipes and share the finished product with your neighbors. Have a gift exchange with your roommates. Go caroling. Don't just sit at home thinking about what you would be doing if you were with your family. Do something fun.

Serve others

Service is basically the cure-all for anyone who feels like they are missing something in life. Service opportunities are all over the place during the holidays, so get involved. It'll give you something to do, take your mind off your own troubles and bless someone else's life. You can't go wrong with service, no matter what kind it is, or what time of year you serve.

Stay in touch

Sure, the above suggestions will make your holidays better, but sometimes you just want to be with family. That's what email, cell phones and video conferencing were invented for. These tools don't replace the face-to-face encounters you crave, but they keep you together all the same. Make a special effort during the holidays to send emails and texts to family members or to schedule Skype dates. Get involved with what is going on around you, but don't sever family ties that don't need to be severed.

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My major, English, tops nearly every, "Most Useless College Majors," list. While I'm not exactly raking in millions of dollars every year, I have established a pretty good career and I am glad I based my college major decision on my strengths and passions rather than on perceived earning potential.

Here's why.

Your major does not determine career success. You do

Every major teaches students skills beyond what fits in the cookie-cutter mold of the major. While business students are learning the dos and don'ts of starting and running a successful business, they are also developing their imaginations, improving their people management skills and practicing making quick, important decisions. Similarly, English majors do more than just read books all day. By the time they graduate, they are expert problem solvers and critical thinkers, not to mention they are well practiced at finishing projects quickly.

Yes, it's a good idea to gear your studies toward a specific type of career. Many students complement their major with a minor in another field, or even another major if they have the time and money. But at the end of the day, it's the effort you put into your education that will help you succeed in any career, not the classes you take.

Furthermore, a major's worth shouldn't be based entirely on career success. The skills and knowledge you acquire in college can be passed on to your family and friends. Whether you develop your skills further in a career or at home, you will make an impact on those around you.

Not everyone gets a job within his or her major

A lot of people end up in careers that have nothing to do with what they studied in school. This isn't always a bad thing. Many employers care less about employees with a specific education background and more about their work ethic and how well they fit in with the company and its goals.

And while it's important to have a college degree, sometimes work experience holds more weight. I've met people who started out as entry-level copywriters and went on to hold VP positions at profitable companies. If you limit yourself to what fits neatly within your college major, you will deny yourself some fabulous growing experiences and may even miss out on a career that will bring you more satisfaction (and money) than the one you originally set out to get.

So even if you don't land a job in your field right after graduation, simply having a degree opens up so many doors for you. Use the un-advertised skills your major taught you and work your way to where you want to be. Eventually you'll find a fit that works for you and your family.

A major's usefulness should not be based on its potential for a six-figure salary

It's no secret that some majors have significantly more earning potential than others. A study by Georgetown University reports that jobs in engineering and technology make the most today, with salaries around $100,000 per year. Students who major in the humanities, on the other hand, often start at about $30,000 per year.

But society needs all types of students - the engineers, the musicians, the doctors and the teachers. We need those who are good with numbers and those who have a gift for creating things. And no matter what you choose to study in school, you will always have that knowledge to pass on to your children and your community. Knowledge enriches society, no matter where your expertise lies.

If money is still a concern, focus first on being smart about how to fund college tuition, even if it means going to a different school. Don't base your college major decision entirely on practicality. You are the one who will establish your career, not your major. It is possible to support your family doing something you enjoy doing, as long as you're willing to work for it.

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Every job (even your dream job) has its drawbacks. Some days, your job just won't be fulfilling. On others, it'll raise your stress to dangerous levels. If you love your job, though, the benefits generally outweigh the drawbacks.

Too much drudgery and stress can be a sign that you are ready for a new job. If any of the following apply to you, you may want to consider making a career change.

• You spend your weekends dreading the work week. No one really likes Mondays, but if your job is ruining the precious time off you have, that's a problem.

• You have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning. Even if you are a morning person.

• The thought of starting a new day depresses you.

• You feel stuck where you're at.

• You're bored. Boredom can be a huge energy drain: it makes you less productive, less enthusiastic and more unhappy.

• You aren't learning anything new. As human beings, we are always striving to grow and change. If things stay the same for too long, it often leads to discontent.

• You aren't being challenged enough.

• You no longer care about helping your company succeed. This is another side effect of boredom.

• You don't enjoy the work you're doing, either because you've lost interest or you've outgrown your responsibilities.

• You aren't as productive as you used to be.

• Your undesirable work situation is imposing on your personal life, making it difficult to enjoy family time and hobbies.

• Your family is suffering because you are unhappy at work.

• You spend your downtime browsing through job openings online, rather than doing something that will benefit the company.

Sometimes, a new job isn't the answer; you may just be suffering from burnout. Some time away from the office (whether it be a family trip to Disneyland or a staycationat home) may be all that you need to recharge your battery and become a happy, productive employee again.

Other times, time off is only a temporary fix. Perhaps you've known for some time that you should get a new job, but are unable to because you can't risk getting a pay cut, you are dependent upon your employer's insurance or you are just a few years from retiring.

It's a difficult situation to find yourself in: stuck in a career you don't want but unable to do anything about it. If you can't quit and start somewhere else, your only other option is to make the best of it, like it or not. Here are a few tips on how to do so.

Focus on your blessings

that have nothing to do with work like beautiful weather, precious moments with children, good food and your religious practices. Even though you likely spend most of your waking hours at work, it doesn't have to be your sole purpose in life.

Start working toward acquiring skills or certifications

that will help you qualify for a better job in the future. If nothing else, this will give you something meaningful to work toward, a benefit your company may not provide for you. It also makes you feel like you are doing something, rather than just waiting for things to change for you. This can improve your satisfaction with life immensely.

Learn more about your company

, about your job role or about someone else's job role. This ensures that you are always growing, which is crucial if you want to avoid chronic boredom.

Talk to your boss

about the possibility of branching out within your role. He may not know that you are suffering where you're at. Let him know that you are open to the possibility of more or additional work. He will most likely be more than happy to help you out.

Smile at yourself

in the mirror every day before you go to work. You may not have any control over your work situation, but you do have control over your attitude. A smile, even if forced, is very powerful.

If you haven't already, become friends with the people you work with

This will give you something to look forward to every day, even if you don't enjoy the work you are doing.

Stay optimistic about your future

You never know what opportunities may come your way.

Whether you're in a position to change jobs or simply have to make do with what you have, you always have control over one thing: how you will respond to your situation.

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As I've gotten older, I've come to love the Israelites' story for more than just the cinematic thrill. Even now, thousands of years after the story was recorded, there are still important lessons we can learn from the Israelites.

1. Be patient

The Israelites waited generations to be freed from bondage. However, once they were free, they expected all their problems to be solved immediately and for the Lord to take care of everything. When they got tired of eating manna, they complained. They complained when Moses told them what to do, and then when he didn't. God performed miracle after miracle for them, but it was never enough.

It's no wonder they spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness. They lacked the patience and discipline necessary to be worthy of the blessings they wanted. It's a difficult lesson to learn, especially if you've been waiting for something good for a very long time, but impatience only leads to restless wandering. The phrase, "Good things come to those who wait," is a cliché for a reason - it's true.

2. Faith must be nurtured

The plagues and the parting of the Red Sea were just the beginning of the miracles God rained down upon the children of Israel. They had every reason to believe that God would protect them and lead them to their promised land. Instead, they doubted. All they saw was their own suffering, which prevented them from appreciating the miracles that surrounded them every day.

Faith is not something that can just be handed to you; it must be nurtured. A miracle - no matter how large or small - isn't going to shape your faith, but the way you respond to it will.

3. God loves his children

The Old Testament God is often portrayed as a jealous, angry god. It's not hard to see why after seeing what he had to put up with. Even Moses had his faith struggles. However, through every complaint and every sin, God's "hand was stretched out still." (Isaiah 10:4 KJV) The children of Israel were punished for their wrongdoings, but God never abandoned them. He was always there to pick them back up after they fell.

4. It will work out in the end

After Pharaoh finally let the Israelites go, they were faced with another impossible obstacle: crossing the Red Sea. Even after all they had gone through to get to that point, though, they were ready to throw in the towel.

That's when Moses stopped them and said, "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." (Exodus 14: 13-14 KJV)

And then the Lord parted the Red Sea.

None of us know how our lives are going to work out. When trials threaten to crush you, it's difficult to see how you will ever escape. But if there is one lesson to be learned from the Israelites, it's that there is always hope, and things tend to work out in the end.

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Each time I moved out (yes, I moved out more than once), my first thought - after making a mental note to buy an air freshener - was always, "I left home for this?" I couldn't help but feel a little betrayed when my moving crew drove away, back to their homely comforts, leaving me all alone in my tiny, funky-smelling apartment.

Eventually, I learned how to make my "home away from home" just as warm and inviting as the home I grew up in.

1. Add some color

Most apartments (at least those available to people with tight budgets) are drab and bare. The walls and ceilings are whitewashed the carpet is a neutral brownish-gray color and the appliances blend into the background. So, the first thing you should do whenever you move into a new apartment is add some color. Most major department stores offer colorful (and inexpensive) curtains, table cloths, sheets and towels. Dress up your bathroom with a fun shower curtain and rug. Keep a bowl of fruit on the kitchen table and put some pillows on your couch. Get everyone involved, if possible, and just have some fun with it.

2. Create a "me" space

Even if you get along with your roommates splendidly, there will be times when you just want to shut them out for a while and relax in your own corner of the apartment. If you have roommate issues, it's even more important to have a sanctuary somewhere - no matter how small - where you can escape. Even if you're only allotted half a bedroom, there are things you can do to make that area a haven. First of all, keep it clean. You may need to politely remind your roommate to respect your space, so make sure they understand that. Decorate your walls with pictures, favorite quotes, homemade wall hangings or anything else that makes you smile. This is your area; project your personality and beliefs on it as much as possible.

3. Hold on to a few keepsakes from home

Most people leave a lot of their non-essential items at home until they move into a "real" apartment or house. However, having some of those items around can add another layer of homey-ness to your new home. Space restraints will require that you leave most non-essential items in storage somewhere else, but make some room for old photo albums, yearbooks, stuffed animals or anything else that reminds you of home. You're embarking on a new journey by living away from home, but sometimes it's nice to be reminded of where you came from.

4. Make home-cooked meals and eat them together

Making and eating meals together isn't any easier for roommates than it is for families, but the principle is the same: those who eat together form bonds. Plan for a couple of scheduled meals per week and take turns preparing the meals. Some people have dinner groups with their neighbors, which can be a great way to meet new people and ensure you're getting at least one square meal every day.

Striking out on your own can overwhelming, especially when you're leaving behind far more than you are gaining, but it can also be liberating and exciting. Any place can be home as long as you're willing to make it home.

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That's no reason not to use your much-needed vacation days, however. "Staycations" are becoming increasingly popular as employees use their vacation time to recharge at home. For many people who are overworked, relaxing at home can actually be more invigorating than heading to the coast for a week. It's because you won't have to replace your work stress with travel stress.

There are rules, though, that must be followed if you want to make the most of your staycation and return to work ready to dive back in with renewed vigor.

1. Don't work

Studies have shown that most people continue to work while they are on vacation. Smartphones and laptops have made it easier than ever to stay connected 24/7, but you won't be able to recover from burnout or work stress if you're still thinking about work every day. Tell your co-workers that you will only be available if it's an emergency and leave your work email alone.

2. Indulge in your favorite hobbies

Remember that book that's been sitting on your nightstand collecting dust for six months? Or those Pinterest recipes you've been itching to try? Whatever it is you wish you had more time to do, now is the time to allow yourself to get lost doing something you love to do that you don't get to do very often. Create something with your own hands, or enjoy the creations of others. This is a great way to reconnect with yourself after being stretched too thin for too long.

3. Spend some quality time with your family

I'd harbor a guess that one reason you're taking time off is that you want to spend some time with family. Without work driving your schedule, you have limitless opportunities to take advantage of special moments with your spouse and children, so don't let them pass you by.

4. Rest

You may have a lot of activities planned for your time off, but don't forget to rest up, too. Your body needs to recharge just as much as your mind does.

5. Go on a local field trip

Do you live near a museum or any good hiking trails? Is there a movie that has just come out that you want to see? There's no reason to stay cooped up at home through the duration of your staycation. Get out of the house and enjoy some local flavor, free from the manacles of work.

6. Allow yourself to get bored

You may not accomplish everything you want during your time off. You may even get bored with all your extra time. This is completely fine. Once the novelty of so much extra free time wears off, you will hopefully be more fit to work when it's time to go back. Only this time you won't be distracted by thoughts like, "If only I could stay home and read all day."

You work hard to provide for your family. You owe it to yourself to have an enjoyable staycation.

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By striving to be a good roommate, though, your roommate experience will likely be one that you look back on fondly. Here are few tips on how to be a good roommate.

1. Respect one another's traditions and beliefs

Your roommate may not celebrate the same holidays as you. They may prefer to eat dinner later than you want to, or their belief system will most likely be different from yours. This doesn't mean you can't get along, however. Just like in any other relationship, respect is crucial in establishing friendship, or at the very least, civility.

2. Decide - on the first day - how you will handle expenses like groceries

As soon as everyone arrives, leave your unpacked boxes for an hour and sit down together to establish a few ground rules. Will you each handle your own grocery shopping? Will you take turns buying milk and bread? Are there any dishes or small appliances (like a toaster) that your apartment needs? How do you feel about other people using your shampoo? Use a calendar or checklist to keep track of whose responsibility it is to buy toilet paper (or any other shared expense) next. Trust me, it will simplify your life.

3. Clean up after yourself

Your mom isn't going to do your laundry or wash a batch of dishes for you anymore, and you can be sure your roommates won't take on the role of surrogate mother. Most roommate squabbles occur because someone repeatedly leaves dirty dishes in the sink or the living room a mess. Even if one of your roommates is messier than you are, be the bigger man (or woman) and make sure you are doing your part to make sure your apartment is a pleasant place to live.

4. Follow curfew

Most apartment complexes establish "quiet hours" for their residents, usually after 10 p.m. and before 8 a.m. This doesn't mean that you have to be in bed during those hours, but just be aware of those around you when you turn on some music or pop in a movie. Late nights and early mornings are probably not the best times to practice dancing, either.

5. Do things together

Remember when you wanted to play with your friends all the time and your parents said no? You will never be so free to spend time with your friends than right now, especially if you are friends with your roommates, so make the most of it while you can. Your roommates are, for all intents and purposes, your family, so make sure you do things together. Go to the dollar movies, play Ultimate Frisbee and eat dinner together.

Even if you try your best, there will be some roommates that you just don't get along with. However, if you make an effort to be a good roommate, you will establish friendships that can last for many years.

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Over the next few months I learned a valuable lesson: Education wasn't done with me, yet. In fact, it was just starting to shape my character.

As human beings, we have an innate desire to grow and progress. Education is a major part of that progression. Education doesn't limit itself to K-12 grades and the traditional, four-year college experience. Some of life's most important lessons come from parents, apprenticeships, teamwork, and nearly every other situation in life. But there's no doubt that diplomas and degrees are highly valued in our society.

As Oscar Wilde said, "You can never be overdressed or overeducated." If you are hesitant to go back to school, whether it be to finish high school or pursue a Ph.D., perhaps one of the following reasons will provide the trigger you need to just do it.

1. Career advancement

This is the main reason people choose to go back to school. Some do so to establish more credibility in their field. Others, as a way to break into a new career. According to a New York Times article, those with college degrees have a much easier time finding work, period, and can earn up to twice as much as those without degrees. In this economic climate, not having a degree is a gamble most of us can't afford.

2. Personal growth

Some go back to school because they need something new and meaningful to work toward. School can be an expensive hobby, but even if you have to forgo buying a new car or take out a student loan, the sacrifices are worth it. The skills and intellectual stimulation you get from school stays with you and greatly adds to the person you become. You can't put a price on that.

3. For your children

Study after study has shown that children are more likely to go to college if their parents are university educated. Every parent wants her kids to reach for the stars and be happy. A good education opens up so many doors. If you make school a priority, your kids will notice and education will likely become a high priority for them, as well.

There are dozens of other good reasons to go back to school, but it's usually one of these three that prompts people to just grit their teeth and do it. I have heard many people say they wished they would have done more school, but not once have I heard, "I wish I wouldn't have gotten a degree."

With flexible schooling opportunities like online classrooms becoming more prevalent across the country, it is becoming easier than ever to go back to school, regardless of your age or family situation. The key is to make the decision then make a commitment to do the work necessary to realize your goal. You will be glad you did.

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A few years ago, I finally joined the my-nephews-are-cuter-than-yours club (no nieces, yet.) While it has been everything I hoped it would be and more, there are a few things I wish I would have known before adding the honorary aunt title before my name.

1. Don't compete for the favorite aunt/uncle position

There is no predicting which aunts and uncles your nieces and nephews will like the most. Sometimes the one that loves kids wins. Other times, it's the curmudgeonly one who would rather stay away from kids. All jockeying for the Most Loved Aunt/Uncle position does is create discord among family members and in-laws. It may even annoy the ones you are trying to impress most.

2. Don't be offended if they spend more time with the "other" aunts and uncles

It is so easy to forget that your nieces and nephews have another set of aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. This can be difficult to get used to, especially if you are unmarried and haven't had to deal with your own in-laws, yet. Cherish the time you have with your nieces and nephews, but recognize that others love spending time with them just as much as you do.

3. Respect the parents

You will love those little darlings to pieces, and they will likely adore you in return. It is oh so tempting to "corrupt" those little ones; whether by feeding them chocolate right before bedtime or teaching them to play baseball when you know full well their parents want them to play soccer. It's important to respect the parents' wishes. You may not agree with their parenting tactics. But unless the safety or well-being of the child is at risk you really have no say in the way their kids are brought up. Your job is to support the parents and love the kids.

4. Families with small children don't have flexible schedules

Your childless siblings might be able to go to a movie with you at the drop of the hat, but once they have kids that will change. They will most certainly want to get out of the house from time to time, but be mindful that even a simple outing to the movies requires careful planning.

5. Be around, and not just for the important events

The only way to establish a relationship with your nieces and nephews is to spend time with them, even if you have to go out of your way to do so. It is much easier to become the "stranger" aunt or uncle than the one the kids love spending weekends with, or talking to about things they are uncomfortable bringing up with their parents. Aunts and uncles have a special role to play in these kids' lives, and it's worth the sacrifices to build up those relationships.

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Fortunately, there are other ways to give yourself an energy boost without any negative side effects on your health.

Eat an apple

You can never go wrong eating an apple. Apples are stocked with Vitamin C, fiber and good carbs, all of which give you quick energy. Bananas and oranges are good energy boosters, as well. For those of you who suffer midday energy drags, it's a good idea to include fruit in your lunches.

Get up and move

When you're drained of energy, the last thing you want to do is get up and move around. But getting those blood cells moving again is one of the best ways to perk yourself back up. So when you're nodding at your desk or having difficulty keeping your eyes open when you're supposed to be supervising toddlers, get up and do a few exercises. Usually a quick walk will do it, but if you're feeling ambitious, go into another room and do some jumping jacks, push-ups or planks. Even on the worst days, a few minutes of physical activity guarantees at least 30 minutes of alertness.

Take a power nap

Sometimes, even after you've done all you can to stay alert, your body just doesn't respond to your quick energy fixes. On days like these, the best course of action is to just give in and shut your eyes. Do what you have to for a few minutes of quiet -  shut your office door, put in a movie for your kids or sit in your car -  just don't let it go on for longer than 15 to 20 minutes. Power naps can be a life saver for sleep-deprived parents, students, and employees.

Turn on some music

It's hard to feel sluggish when there's a good beat to tap your foot. Upbeat music makes the menial tasks like dishes and laundry a lot more fun. Put together a couple of playlists that you can turn on when you need an instant perk-me-up.

Do something else

If you've been doing the same thing for an hour, it may be time to switch to something else. Most people have relatively short attention spans and can't dedicate their full attention to one task for more than 90 minutes. Switching tasks periodically will ensure that you're devoting the optimal amount of focus and energy to the task at hand.

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