[caption id="attachment_25419" align="alignleft" width="150"] Creative Commons/JohnnyShocker[/caption] It’s that time of year again: Black Friday sales are over, holiday lights have been put up on buildings and trees around Boston, and a well-deserved winter break is almost here. But with the snow and the Michael Bublé Christmas album comes the time of the year to buy gifts for friends and family, and that’s always a hassle, no matter how many deals and cute sweaters you find for yourself along the way. So therein lies the big question: What presents do I get the important people in my life for the holidays?

I said I wouldn’t do it. Swore it repeatedly, actually. But about a month ago, I finally caved to conformity: I made my Twitter debut.

Green Line Records, Northeastern’s non-profit student-run record label, gives students the hands-on opportunity to participate in all functions that a label in the real world has.

In a world of social media apps like Facebook and Instagram where pictures reign supreme, there’s a new trending app on the market that removes the pressure to constantly and permanently present life through the lense. It’s Snapchat, a free application available for iPhone and Android.

One of the best ways to celebrate the holiday season is by indulging in good eats this Sunday. The Eat Boutique Holiday Market is here for you to devour some of the most delicious foods. Aside from having an array of food and drinks to choose from, there will also be cookbook authors present. For this event, there will be about 30 participants who will be selling and giving away samples of their food. Vendors include Island Creek Oysters, Liddabit Sweets, Tea Cuvee, Nobscot Artisan Cheese, Lark Fine Foods, Bola Granola and more. In addition to the plethora of food to munch on, enjoy drinks as well. The Urban Grape, a neighborhood wine store is one of the participants this year, along with 10 other beer and cordial companies. The last three events had over 2,000 guests so this is definitely an event not to miss. Artists for Humanity EpiCenter, 100 West Second St. Boston; 12 p.m.; $7-$15; www.eatboutiquemarkets.com

The hipster movement brought back the coolness of the mustache. Lumberjacks were onto something about the functionality of facial hair. And Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow made the art of the beard an envied practice. For 30 days men everywhere take a stab at trying these styles all in the name of a good cause. A few Northeastern men have joined millions across the country to stop shaving for the month of November.

As the semester comes to a close, finals approach and the stress of the holidays comes along, – keep your sanity by enjoying the best of what Boston has to offer. String up some lights, pour some peppermint schnapps and perfect your Mariah Carey lip-sync, here’s this year’s round-up of budget friendly activities.

For my last column of the fall 2012 semester, I want to get sentimental and write about what it means to be a Northeastern student.

FEATURE: Friday, Nov. 30 The Northeastern University Symphony Orchestra, a full symphonic ensemble made up of students, staff and faculty will be performing its fall concert tomorrow. The group performs a variety of music genres ranging from symphonies to film scores and contemporary music, and its selections span from the baroque to the present day. Part-time lecturer and Director of Northeastern University Symphony Orchestra, Evan Bennett, a national award winner for his compositions, will conduct the orchestra. “The orchestra draws talented students, faculty and staff from multiple disciplines at Northeastern, including marketing, biology, criminal justice and nursing. Many of our members have been playing an instrument since they were young, and are continuing their passion for music in NUSO,” said Arthur Rishi, concert coordinator. “They are an extremely talented and dedicated performers, and their love of music truly shines in their performances.” Sponsored by the Music Department. Fenway Center, 77 St. Stephen St; 8 p.m.; Free; www.nuweb9.neu.edu/orchestra.

While being president is a big deal, few could boast that movies are made about their lives almost 150 years after their death. Abraham Lincoln is one of these presidents, still remembered and beloved today. The new film “Lincoln” is a biopic war drama about President Lincoln and his fight to end both slavery and the Civil War, not through good politics, but through bribery and deceit.

The City of Boston “seduced” internationally renowned photographer Mario Testino, the artist told the Boston Globe. And on Oct. 21, he came back to seduce the local crowd with his first exhibits in the United States at the Museum of Fine Arts, with “Mario Testino: In Your Face” in the Ann and Graham Gund Gallery, and “British Royal Portraits” in the Herb Ritts Gallery. The exhibits uncover the special bond between Testino and his subjects and art.

On the surface, it seems like our Thanksgiving celebration is the epitome of our tradition-light holiday style. Thanksgiving is practically synonymous with family; it’s a day to be around those who you value and love. Some people who aren’t close with their extended families spend the holiday together, even if that means more bickering and politically incorrect comments than anyone should have to endure. My family is an exception to that rule.