Stay on track without missing out on the fun
Christmas is meant to be enjoyed — but if you’re sitting Junior or Leaving Cert exams, completely switching off for two weeks can make January feel very stressful.
That’s why we’ve created the 12 Days of Christmas Study Challenge:
short, manageable daily tasks that help you stay consistent without ruining your holidays.
No 6-hour study days.
No guilt.
Just small wins that add up.
🎯 How the Challenge Works
- Each day has one simple task
- Takes 30–60 minutes max
- Mixes notes, MCQs, exam practice, and revision
- Designed to keep your brain “switched on” over Christmas
You can start anytime — Day 1 doesn’t have to be December 25th 😉
🎁 Day 1: Set Your Christmas Study Plan
📅 Time: 20–30 minutes
Before jumping into revision, take a few minutes to plan:
- Which subjects need the most work?
- What topics are weakest?
- When are your mock exams?
👉 Write a short plan for the next two weeks. Even a simple list works.
🎁 Day 2: Notes Refresh
📖 Time: 45 minutes
Pick one topic from a subject you find challenging.
Read through your notes and:
- Highlight key definitions
- Write 3–5 bullet points in your own words
Understanding > memorising.
🎁 Day 3: MCQ Power Session
📝 Time: 30 minutes
Do a set of MCQs on one topic.
- Don’t rush
- Review wrong answers
- Write down why you got them wrong
Mistakes = progress.
🎁 Day 4: Exam Question Focus
✍️ Time: 45–60 minutes
Choose one past exam question.
- Plan your answer
- Write it out (or half of it if time is tight)
- Check the marking scheme
This is where marks are won.
🎁 Day 5: Weak Topic Day
⚠️ Time: 40 minutes
Face the topic you’ve been avoiding.
- Read notes
- Watch a short video
- Do 5–10 questions only
You don’t need to master it — just improve it.
🎁 Day 6: Active Recall
🧠 Time: 30 minutes
Close your notes and:
- Write everything you remember about a topic
- Check what you missed
- Fill in the gaps
Active recall is one of the most effective study techniques.
🎁 Day 7: Mini Mock
⏱️ Time: 60 minutes
Do:
- One full exam question
or - A timed MCQ set
No distractions.
Treat it like the real thing.
🎁 Day 8: Fix Your Mistakes
🔍 Time: 30–45 minutes
Go back over:
- Incorrect MCQs
- Weak exam answers
- Topics you struggled with
Improving mistakes boosts marks faster than learning new content.
🎁 Day 9: Notes + MCQ Combo
📚📝 Time: 45 minutes
- Review notes for one topic
- Immediately do MCQs on the same topic
This locks the information in.
🎁 Day 10: Exam Technique Day
🖊️ Time: 30 minutes
Focus on how to answer:
- Keywords examiners want
- Common mistakes
- How marks are awarded
Technique can add easy marks.
🎁 Day 11: Light Revision Day
🌟 Time: 20–30 minutes
Christmas is busy — keep it light:
- Flashcards
- Quick MCQs
- Skimming summaries
Consistency matters more than intensity.
🎁 Day 12: Reflect & Reset
🎯 Time: 20 minutes
Ask yourself:
- What improved?
- What still needs work?
- What will you focus on in January?
Write 3 clear goals for the new year.
🎄 Final Thought
You don’t need to study all day over Christmas to stay on track.
You just need to show up a little every day.
Small effort now = less stress later.
👉 Explore notes, MCQs, exam papers and more on iRevise
