Eight Great Ways to Make the Most of Christmas Break

Christmas break is a great time for students to spend time with family and friends. More importantly, it is a time to celebrate Christ’s birth. 

But it's also an excellent chance for your student to take care of important college preparation! During this key time with your student, encourage him or her to steward the time well and get a head start on 2026. 

Here are eight great ways to make the most of your student's Christmas break:

1. Submit the $250 enrollment deposit during break! 
2. Is your student's application incomplete? Check online for missing pieces, then request documents to be sent right away.
3. Fill out your student's FAFSA. Required for all need-based scholarships and grants, the FAFSA application for the 2026–27 school year is already open. This is the best way to make sure your student gets the most financial aid possible.
4. Plan a campus visit in the winter or spring months. There's no better way to see if Cedarville University is the place for your student!
5. Start looking into outside scholarships. Your student's guidance counselor can help you with local organizations that offer scholarships.
6. Learn more about the major your student is considering. We have more than 150 undergraduate programs of study he or she can choose from.
7. Follow Cedarville on social media! See who else is connected.
8. Plan a prayer time with friends. College is a big decision. Ask God to give you wisdom, provide for your needs, and make His direction clear!

Though the holiday season can quickly become busy with shopping, gatherings, and activities, the time your student spends on his or her college prep will be time well spent. But above all, take this important time together to celebrate our Savior's birth! He is the reason Cedarville exists and the focus of everything we seek to accomplish in the lives of students!

Merry Christmas from your friends at Cedarville University!