November means Hallo-weaning yourself off of treats and back to the tricks of college. Halloween and the month leading up to it are a big deal for most colleges, but the scariest part is when it's over and everyone goes back to reality. As 2017 comes to a close and the semester progresses, the holidays become signifiers of how far we've come and what we have left to endure. Oh, what fun.

1. Subtle reminders

As November eclipses upon the student body, its predecessor still remains in the smallest details and sticks around to remind everyone of the time they just had. "Pumpkin painting with your RA" signs will stay up, everyone will somehow still be eating candy, and remains of costumes will linger on the streets, in your dorm, and around campus.

2. It's legally now Christmas time.

Once every last orange artifact is gone, red and green reigns supreme. Christmas music, campus events, Holiday yearning and dreams of being on winter break. 'Tis the season.

3. Finals are coming

The fun and lightheartedness of Halloween distract from the fact that the second half of the semester is underway–and finals will be upon us before we realize it.

4. No more excuses to party

Not only is the semester soon coming to a close, but to my knowledge, no one really gets "turnt" for turkey day or goes HAM for Hanukkah, so party holidays are essentially behind us.

5. People won't stop talking about it

It's great that you went to two costume parties, a Kreepy Kegger, and a Mummy Mixer, but classes are still happening. Swap those cat ears for some glasses and get back to studying.

6. Thanksgiving break is the next taste of freedom

We're all under the same stress and in the same fragile state as a pulled apart wishbone at this point, and if we can make it to the brief taste of freedom that Thanksgiving break grants us, then maybe we'll be alright.

7. It's officially the Holidays

People have mixed feelings about this, but the colder months mean family time, coming together, enjoying great food, mixed company and good times. Cheers to that!

In my opinion, the Nightmare Before Christmas isn't Halloween itself, but the time afterward that entails coming down from the high of the holiday and resuming back to school and responsibilities. Happy Holidays everyone!