Christmas holidays are meant to be a break — a chance to rest, catch up with friends, and eat far too many nice things. But if you’re studying online, the holidays can also be a great opportunity to keep your momentum going without burning out.
The trick is balance. You don’t need to spend your whole holiday buried in notes, but a little structure now can save you a lot of stress later. Here are some simple, realistic tips to help you stay on track with online learning over Christmas.
1. Set a “Holiday Schedule” (Not a Full-Time One)
Your normal routine probably won’t fit over Christmas — and that’s okay.
Instead, make a lighter version:
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Pick 2–4 study days per week
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Choose 1–2 short blocks per day (like 45–90 minutes)
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Keep evenings or certain days totally free
Even a small routine helps your brain stay in “learning mode” so you’re not starting from zero in January.
Tip: Put your study blocks in your calendar like appointments. If it’s scheduled, you’re more likely to do it.
2. Decide What “Success” Looks Like This Holiday
Before you start, ask yourself:
What do I want done before January?
Keep it simple. Examples:
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Finish one assignment draft
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Review Weeks 1–5 content
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Watch and take notes on 6 lectures
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Organise study materials for next term
Pick 1–3 goals max. Clear goals reduce guilt and stop “holiday studying” from feeling endless.
3. Use Small Sessions (They Work Better Than You Think)
Online learning suits short bursts really well.
Try:
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25 minutes study + 5 minutes break (Pomodoro method)
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One lecture at a time
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One topic per sitting
Small sessions reduce procrastination because they feel manageable — and they’re easier to fit around family plans.
4. Make Your Study Space Christmas-Proof
Studying at home during holidays can be chaotic, so give yourself a fighting chance:
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Choose one consistent spot to study
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Use headphones if the house is busy
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Keep what you need nearby (laptop, charger, notebook, water)
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Clear distractions before you start
Even if your space isn’t perfect, consistency trains your brain: “when I sit here, I study.”
5. Don’t Just Read — Actively Learn
Holiday study time is precious, so make it count.
Instead of re-reading notes:
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Write short summaries in your own words
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Quiz yourself (online quizzes, practice questions)
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Teach the topic to someone else
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Do a past assignment question under timed conditions
Active learning helps information stick way faster than passive reading.
6. Catch Up First, Then Move Forward
If you’re behind, the holidays are ideal for catching up — but don’t try to do everything at once.
A good order:
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Finish overdue work
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Review anything confusing
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Start new material
This keeps stress down and helps you feel real progress quickly.
7. Plan for Disruptions (Because They Will Happen)
Holiday schedules are unpredictable. Some days will be a write-off — and that’s normal.
So build flexibility in:
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If you miss a session, don’t panic
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Shift it to another day
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Keep your weekly goal steady instead of daily perfection
Momentum matters more than a flawless routine.
8. Take Proper Breaks — You’ll Learn Better
Rest isn’t the enemy of progress. It’s part of it.
To avoid burnout:
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Take full days off
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Sleep properly
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Get outside for walks
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Spend time with people
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Enjoy the holiday without guilt
Your brain needs downtime to process what you’ve learned.
9. Start January Strong by Ending December Organised
Before the holidays end, take 30 minutes to:
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tidy your notes
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sort your files
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list your next tasks
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check your timelines
Coming back to organised materials in January makes the return feel 10x easier.
A Final Word: Progress, Not Pressure
Studying over Christmas doesn’t mean sacrificing your holiday. Think of it as keeping your learning warm, so you don’t have to re-start cold in the new year.
A few focused sessions now will:
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reduce January stress
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boost confidence
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give you a head-start going into the next term
You’ve got this — and CMIT is here to support you every step of the way.