The week preceding finals is called Dead Week for a reason.

To combat the stress and exhaustion the pre-finals-week studying brings, the Student Government Association worked with The Counseling Center and University Programs to plan this year’s annual Stress Free Daze program.

Stress Free Daze is a two-part event on Dec. 2 and Dec. 6 geared toward providing students with a break from studying.

“We wanted to provide an official relaxing study break for campus,” Courtney Coleman, a senior majoring in operations management and the University Programs event programmer for the event, said.

The first event on Dec. 2 is a matinee showing at 2 p.m. of the holiday comedy film, “Elf.” Snacks and candy bars are provided, as well as face painting. Organizers say this event is geared more toward faculty members and their children.

The second event takes place on Dec. 6 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. in the Ferguson Center and includes another free showing of the movie “Elf” that will be available to students.

There are additional free amenities planned such as entertainment, gaming tournaments, massages, manicures, prizes, food, and counseling sessions provided by the Counseling Center.

Stress Free Daze will also provide tutoring and group review sessions, as well as a community service opportunity through Tuscaloosa One Place.

“We wanted to add a twofold purpose to our event,” Coleman said. “Participants will have an opportunity to give back to the community through our project with Tuscaloosa One Place for families in need during the holidays, and they can receive help in various subjects in a stress-free environment with our study sessions.”

While doors open at 8 p.m., it might be smart to arrive early, Coleman said, since the event is expecting around 400 or more students to attend.

“Last year I studied so hard during Dead Week, I was completely burnt out by the time finals week rolled in,” said Megan Whitten, a sophomore majoring in business. “I’m going to use Stress Free Daze as something fun to look forward to while I’m studying.”

Whitten thinks the Stress Free Daze program will provide a much needed break for many students and loves all the different amenities the program is providing.

“They have so many great things offered,” Whitten said. “The only next best thing they could do is take my test for me.”