I love being home for the holidays, I really do. I also love Bill Watterson's comic "Calvin and Hobbes." However, as much as I love being home with my parents and siblings for the holidays, there are some things that, whether good or bad, are just a part of the package, so I'm embracing them! And also here is a compilation of Calvin and Hobbes comics that represent a very merry Christmas season. Enjoy.
1. Playing board games with your siblings.
Since getting home a week ago, my siblings and I have played at least 6 rounds of Catan (if you don't know what this wonderful game is, look it up; it will change your life), and the euphoria of winning can quickly turn to the fury of loss. It's an emotional roller coaster to be sure, and we are all Calvin sometimes.
2. Taking family photos.
After about 10 tries, I usually just resort to the mouth-open-glazed-eyes look. This isn't really on purpose; it just transpires because my jaw gets so sore, and I know everyone will probably end up using the first or second shot (like always, but we still take 12).
3. Forgetting presents.
Whether it's a matter of forgetting or simply being too broke to purchase gifts for everyone, there is an unavoidable sense of guilt and shame that takes hold whilst opening notably more gifts than you gave. Thankfully, most people are loving and if also in college, probably didn't get you anything either, so a good ol' hug will suffice just fine.
4. Celebrating the little things.
Being home for the holidays can be a time of great clarity and rest, and it can allow you to focus on the small and less stressful things about life. Calvin sums it up pretty well, but I would add "Schooling all family members in Scrabble" to that list.
5. The psychological dilemma of morality. 
I, of course, never have any poor incentives or alternative motives pertaining to the loot around Christmas, but I wonder about some of my sibs at times... Okay, okay, I kid, but there is a certain amount of this going around in the youngsters in my life. Bless their little hearts, they haven't had their winter worldview crushed yet.
6. Watching the parental units waiting patiently like.
When the fam gets together things can get rowdy and even heated, and I swear my mom just takes a seat like this and waits for one of us to feel her eyes singeing the hairs on our necks (she's actually really kind, awesome and helpful, but still). Parents have to get back some of that money they spent on us, right?
7. Bringing peace to the children via material gifts.
There is nothing like watching my nephew become infuriated by something small, only to have him shower his parents in love and forgiveness upon opening a giant package of legos. Humanity, pure, unadulterated humanity.
8. Singing the same Christmas jingle repeatedly.
God bless the parent who puts a stop to it.
