With Winter Break quickly approaching, we are getting closer and closer to the six weeks we spend away from our friends, and most importantly our sisters. Instead of being sad, however, we should instead think ahead to the reunions that will be held, and all the crazy stories from winter break that will be shared. In light of the pain that it is to spend so much time away from sisters, here are seven signs that you are a Chi Omega, as a way to still feel connected to your far away sisters.

1. Cardinal and straw are your default colors.

Never mind that your actual favorite color is purple, whenever someone asks what color you want something these two are your go-to answers. Not only will they match every other form of decoration around your house or dorm room, but when you see them you feel a sudden rush of pride. Those are the colors you were proudly on your chest, and the colors that you've bought in bulk paint for canvases. You own numerous cardinal dresses, because it is easier to find than straw, and you rock them whenever there is a chapter or Greek function to clearly show that you are a Chi Omega. It really is true that every Chi Omega looks better in cardinal and straw.

2. Owls, owls everywhere.

When I say everywhere, I mean everywhere. Stuffed animals, mirrors, pillows, wallets, coffee mugs, cups, and anything that you could put an owl on, a Chi Omega will have it. Alumni, I'm looking at you too. We know that your houses are adorned with owls and that you might've even decorated your daughter's bedroom in them to prepare her early. Chi Os love owls, and it's shown as soon as you step into our rooms. If we pass something that has an owl, it's an automatic response to buy it. The tradition of handing down ugly, awful owl statues is held every O day during Big Lil Week, and we display them proudly in our rooms until it's time to pass them down once again. I truly think that the popularity of owls is due to Chi Omegas across the country, that can't help but to buy everything and anything that has those big eyes featured.

3. Your owl obsession is closely followed by an obsession with skulls and crossbones.

Though it's not quite as bad as the owl obsession, skulls and crossbones are right up there with them. These are used to decorate everything, and as creepy as they may look they hold a much different meaning to the women of Chi Omega. Sugar skulls are a favorite thing to find because sometimes the abundance of owls is just a tad too much.

4. The love you have for your sisters is almost as much as the love you have for Make-A-Wish.

For those that don't know, Make-A-Wish is the national philanthropy of Chi Omega. ChiO has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Make-A-Wish, and they aren't slowing down anytime soon. Ask any ChiO what charitable organization is her favorite to give to, and she'll say Make-A-Wish. And I mean really, who could blame her? Granting an in need child's wish is one of the most amazing feelings a person can get; knowing that you and your organization just changed this child's life, that you are the reason that they have a giant smile on your face is something that will not be achieved by nearly anything else. I think I can speak for everyone in my chapter at least when I say that watching the Make-A-Wish video during recruitment made everyone in the room tear up. The fact that you get to do this amazing thing, with your sisters no less, is probably one of the reasons you fell in love with Chi Omega in the first place.

5. "To Be Womanly Always, To Be Discouraged Never" is your life motto.

This part of our symphony seems to be loved the most. We put this on canvases, cups, and shirts, and we try to live by this every day. To me, this was the part of the symphony that registered the most, it was the ideal of Chi Omega that I hoped to embody the most. "To Be Womanly Always, To Be Discouraged Never," is something that I try to remember every day, whether I am out on a Thursday, sitting in class with no motivation, or at any sisterhood event surrounded by my sisters that are trying to do the same. While it may be hard to remember this all of the time, it is one of the things that will be taken with us long past graduation.

6. White Carnations are your favorite flowers.

Any boy that is pursuing a ChiO girl knows that it's better to show up with a bouquet of carnations than roses. If you're really hardcore, you keep a vase full of these at all times in your house or apartment. Carnations are simple, classy, elegant, and timeless, just like a ChiO girl.

7. You couldn't be prouder to tell people that you are a Chi Omega.

One of the first things you tell people is that you're a Chi Omega. Not that it isn't obvious since you almost always are wearing letters in some way. The obvious rush of pride, the automatic smile that comes to your lips, and your cheerful demeanor are just a few of the ways that those around you know that you love your fraternity (yes, fraternity). You know that long after graduation, that ChiO will always have a place in your heart, and that it will be your sisters that will stand by you on your wedding day and throughout all of the hard parts of being a real adult. You can't imagine your college career without this amazing group of women, and you definitely can't imagine life post-grad without them. Being a Chi Omega is something that you will always hold in your heart and something that you will always be proud to claim.

So don't worry about the long Winter Break that will soon be here to separate you from your soul mates, your sisters. Before you know it, it will be time to move back "home" and you will once again be surrounded by those that know you best, and love you anyway. Until then, relax, recharge, and prepare yourself for yet another round of college with the amazing group of women you get to call your sisters.