Finals week was grueling and felt like it would never end, but Christmas break was the one beacon of hope. It was the goal. If you could make it through all the stressful exams and papers, you'd be able to enjoy a few weeks of freedom and partake in the holiday festivities. While Christmas break is lovely, it isn't all snowflakes and hot cocoa, as proven by these gifs.

1. Pure excitement

Classes are finally over and you can do whatever you want for a few weeks!

2. "Time to SLEEP"

Now is the perfect time to catch up on all those hours of sleep you missed to study.

3. That moment you realize you still have to be a functioning human being

...and still have to go to work and make money. The world doesn't stop just because it's Christmas time.

4. Trying to find the time to catch up with friends

If you don't go to school in the same city you're from, maybe you're finding yourself scrambling to make time for all the people you've missed while you've been gone. Take a deep breath and hope you're proficient enough with a planner.

5. Making time for family

It feels like everyone wants to see you and you want to see them too, but you'd also love some rest and alone time. Find some time to watch a movie with your family or sit down for dinner. Find any excuse to remind them that you love and miss them.

6. Shopping for gifts

Why didn't you go shopping earlier? Why suffer through last minute shopping? Why let all your responsibilities pile up at once?

7. The joy of spending quality time

When it's finally Christmas Day, hopefully you're surrounded by the people you love and realizing that this is what you worked so hard for during finals week. This was your goal.

8. Everything is bittersweet

The holidays have come and gone and now you have to say goodbye. While it's a little sad, hopefully you're ready to get back to the familiarity of school.