When I was a kid, the Grinch was just another character in a sea of holiday movies. I only paid attention to him during Christmas when it was time to once again watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas. However, as I have grown older, I have realized how relatable the Grinch truly is, especially to college students home for winter break. Here's how the Grinch embodies the experience.

When you're trying to forget finals week

When your parents try to wake you up before noon

Just let me sleep!!

When you realize all you have done since you've been home is eat

When high school friends want to hang out

Yeah okay, I'll pause Netflix for a little while.

But then actually going out stresses you out too much

For some reason I feel the urge to dress up more when I come home than I do back at school. Maybe it's because my parents don't approve of the large t-shirt and Nike shorts combo, or maybe because it's my sister always dresses cute, or maybe it's because a part of me wants give off the impression that I have my life together to my high school friends. Whichever one it is, dressing up stresses me out, and usually is the reason I choose to stay home instead of going out.

So instead you start handing out excuses

Sorry, I'll be there next time for sure.

When you actually do get together with your high school friends, and you spend your time catching up talking about the people you hated in high school

It's way more fun than it actually should be

When your relatives keep asking you questions

No, I don't want to talk about my GPA. Yep still single. Yes, I have friends, I don't only sit around and watch Netflix all day. No, I don't know what I want to do with my life. And no I'm not an alcoholic (although this conversation may be the push that gets me over that edge).

When your parents ask you what you want for Christmas

Of course, it's not rational, but that doesn't mean I still don't want one.

When you've watched too many Hallmark Christmas movies

When your parents try to get you to socialize with family members

Look Mom, this semester was jam-packed what with school, work, friends, and keeping up with you and dad. I just don't know how I'm going to be able to squeeze the rest of the family into my crazy days of Netflix watching. Maybe next year!

When you're the first one down the stairs Christmas morning

Because everyone knows this is the only race that matters, and no matter what, your siblings are not allowed to beat you.

And when you try to convince yourself you don't miss your college friends as much as you really do

And fail miserably every time.