Ah, winter break: the light at the end of the tunnel for college students across the country. What could be better than hanging out with your family and/or friends, celebrating the holiday season, not writing essays, or finally being able to kick any feelings of homesickness? Nothing, of course!

Sure, a break from school may be disorienting at first as you balance end-of-the-term responsibilities, the strange feeling that you should still be at school once you arrive home, and finally scheduling all the adulting duties you've put off in favor of school (*cough cough* dentist appointment), but you know it will all be worth it when you can put your feet up and be whisked away into the world of Disney. Then again, you soon discover that fantasy characters are more relatable than you think.

1. Daydreaming about break

No assignments, more free time, the ability to be able to pick up longer shifts and earn more money... is it my birthday??

2. Trying to find motivation to finish the term strong

I'm paying to be here and I'm grateful to be here. I'm paying to be here and I'm grateful to be here. I'm paying to be here and I'm grateful to be here.

3. Panicking when you realize how little time there is

The lava/flames in the background are surprisingly accurate when compared to your stress level.

5. Coming up with a end-of-term game plan

I'm talking to-do lists, itineraries, phone reminders/alarms... this may be one of the few times I'm impressively organized in a term.

6. Instantly abandoning said game plan

There are a lot of unforeseen variables in this tricky process. Why did I leave myself so many dishes to wash right as I'm about to leave?

7. Studying for finals

Don't forget trying any method you can to stay on task and make things more enjoyable for yourself.

8. Planning to get a head start on packing, but watching Netflix instead

Just throw productivity right out the door, amirite?

9. Realize packing is more difficult than you thought

I haven't worn this shirt in weeks... so I better bring it along just in case. What clothes do I have at home again?

10. Remembering you won't see your college friends for a month

Thank goodness for social media and texting!

11. Remembering you DO get to see your hometown friends

I haven't seen these people in MONTHS and we have some serious catching up to do.

12. Playing holiday music to get yourself through the last stretch

^ Me when I listen to Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You (Extra Festive)."

13. Showing up for your finals

Shout out to friends (and coffee) who help keep you awake in these trying times.

14. Finally arriving home

They say if you look up at the sky at an obscure time of day around this time of year, you might see happy students rushing to get home using this method of transportation.

Happy holidays, and have a safe/relaxing break!