When young adults move away from home and/or decide to attend college, there’s no doubt that, at first, the process is exciting, as many individuals come to understand that they are ready for a fresh start. However, as time passes, the excitement wears off. At some point we all miss the familiarity of the home, the town, or the people we grew up alongside. However, needless to say, we experience this to different degrees. As the holidays roll around at this time of year, I’ve noticed how thrilled everyone is to go home. I know that this widespread eagerness is not because young people are anxious to come home so they can receive presents for Christmas, or any other holiday benefits. At this point, I think a lot of us are old enough to see past the materialistic aspects of the holidays. But after long nights, many hours of hard work, and perhaps even a few instances of disappointment, simply being home is the best gift any of us could ask for at this time of the year.

First and foremost, everyone is tired, maybe even exhausted. Going home for the holidays means that students can finally relax. This will be the first time in months when numerous deadlines and tests aren’t constantly lingering in the back of your head, when you want to watch one more episode on Netflix or go out with your friends. During your winter break, the time is finally yours. No one, except maybe your parents, can tell you otherwise. For some, this might mean guiltlessly sleeping in until noon or finally getting to read that novel you’ve been staring at on your desk for four months. For others, this is the opportunity to reconnect with friends from high school that you’ve missed and revisit your crew’s favorite places and restaurants.

Returning home, especially if you’ve moved out of state, is something very special. You’ve had no choice but to become independent and attempt to achieve a sense of responsibility all in an unfamiliar location. However, the minute you walk through the front door, you’re greeted by the smell of your house (which is a real thing and every house has one), hear your mom or dad’s quirky laugh, and sit down on the living room sofa that still seems to mold to your body after so many months of distance. From what I’ve experienced, most people don’t fully come to appreciate their families or the luxuries of being at home until they move away. The general excitement to go home validates this.

Being in an entirely different living situation surrounded by very new people, results in a new set of experiences. But there’s nothing like knowing that during the holidays you’ll have the opportunity to take a break from school or work and spend time in a relaxed setting with family or old friends. This is what everyone really needs and wants after a trying fall semester in college. Even though both giving and receiving gifts are a nice addition to going home for the holidays, it’s evident that this is not the focus. Being home and reconnecting with family and thoroughly enjoying the time off greatly exceeds the value of any present. And guess what, we can’t wait!