During the eight week period of pain between February and April vacation, many of us have considered crafting a coffin out of our ever-growing mountain of homework. There have been no days off, only a handful of half days, and seemingly no break from test after project after thesis paper. But the glorious ray of light at the end of this bleak, depressing tunnel of school work is finally growing near.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are more than halfway through the annual vacation drought.

April 15 is infamously known as the day Abraham Lincoln died, the day the Titanic sank, the day the Boston Marathon bombing occurred, and, on top of all of that, it’s tax day. But this year, make sure to mark it on your calendar with as many glittery stickers and smiley faces you can find, because it’s the day April vacation begins.

“How do I last the next 22 days?” You may ask. Well, no need to fret. Here are a few tips to help you survive the seemingly endless road we have left until spring break is finally here.

Make fun plans with your friends once or twice a week. Go out to eat, see a movie, go shopping. Do anything that helps distract you from school and helps you to relax. You’ll have something to look forward to, and each week leading up to vacation will seem a lot more bearable.

Start planning what you’re going to do over vacation now so that every little detail is perfect later. Maybe plan a trip to the Cape or spend a day or two in Boston, or even just have a huge sleepover with your friends. You don’t have to go on an extravagant vacation to the Caribbean or California or whatever just to have fun. There are plenty of opportunities to have a good time without travelling.

Finally, and most importantly, focus on April 15 when you start to feel overwhelmed by school. Don’t lose sight of it for a second, and just take a deep breath and think of it whenever stress starts to sit in. The finish line is almost here. Don’t choke now.

And remember, we live in Massachusetts. Snow days are always a possibility (we hope).