There are many reasons why college students sing praises when they head home for Christmas break after that dreaded week of finals. Maybe it is because you will not have to do your laundry for two weeks or maybe it is the long awaited break from your roommates. Whatever the reason is, it drives us home to the people we love.
1. Food that takes longer than 30 minutes to cook.
Home-cooked meals cannot be beat. Especially when they have been cooking for more than 30 minutes. We all know that majority of our college meals only take a couple minutes to heat up in the microwave. Those rare occasions where we feel really ambitious and make something over the stove or the oven it is a proud moment, but it still does not compare to Momma’s cooking.
2. Opportunities to binge-watch the next great series on Netflix.
Binge-watching different series on Netflix is pretty common during college as we try to avoid the nagging in the back of our minds about tests or essays. However, during the Christmas break you can binge-watch as many series as you want with no feelings of guilt whatsoever. "Walking Dead," here I come!
3. Relaxing and not having to think about college, or GPAs, or the future.
Can you believe it? A break from the constant fear that you do not have your future perfectly planned out. Thank heavens for Christmas break, where you can turn off the worry and planning part of your brain and just focus on the moment. Leave all that anxiety behind! Well, until the winter semester starts up again that is.
4. A real bed to sleep in.
Let’s be honest, that little twin sleeping pad just does not do it for you. A real bed is something every college student looks forward to during Christmas break. However, do not get too attached because as soon as you and your sweet ole' bed get reacquainted, it is going to be time for you to head back to your unsupportive sleeping pad. Until next time, my memory foam mattress.
5. A kitchen full of free food that you can choose from.
There are no shelves off limit. Everything is free game. And on top of that, it is free! As college students, you know that you would do anything for free food. So if family time is not your motive for coming home, at least do it for the food.
6. Christmas gifts that save your wallet.
For some reason, this year my Christmas list looked a lot more like a grocery list. A box of goldfish from Costco, four cans of hot chocolate, and, just to splurge, some Christmas-colored Oreos. If you are really fancy, you may have even asked for a much-needed vacuum or blender. All I can say is thank you, Santa!
7. Spending time with family and old friends.
Last, but definitely not least, is my favorite part of Christmas break. Visiting with old friends and spending time with your siblings and your extended family is always a joy. However, try to be prepared for the unavoidable questions from your eager relatives about your grades, your future plans, and your love life (or the lack thereof). Despite these pestering questions, family time is always the best time during the holiday season.
I hope all of you college students out there survive finals week and are welcomed home by all of your favorite parts of Christmas break. You definitely deserve it!
