A midterm tree, decorated with the burning souls of students who made bargains with demons for passing grades

It’s the most wonderful day of the year. You know the day – it’s a day for celebration (of your suffering), a day for gifts (of terrifying tests), and a day for love (of coffee and Redbull.) It’s the day we’ve been looking forward to all semester. Midterm Day.

We’re sure you, like us (and the Columbia Office of the Registrar) have had this day on your calendar for months, and have been eagerly making plans, wrapping presents, and baking midterm cookies. Outside the weather is unpredictable, but inside your favorite library, common room, or other studying nook, you can curl up with a nice, cozy textbook and pack of energy bars. The ideal way to spend a morning. Or afternoon. Or all-nighter.

Warm yourself by the fire of your inner turmoil. Read cards from your parents with loving messages about how much of a disappointment you’ll be if you don’t do well on the five tests you have in the next five days. Listen to the harmonious melodies of your classmates screaming the next room over. And feast on the remnants of motivation you may have once had at the beginning of the semester.

We wish you a merry Midterm Day, Columbia. Whether you pass your midterms or fall asleep in a bathroom in Butler, we know you’ll do it with holiday cheer.

The most festive midterm tree of the season yet via Malene Thyssen – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0