Fall semester is done, and now it is time to embrace the holiday season. After a long semester full of homework and noisy neighbors, this is your time to relax for a few weeks before winter semester starts. When we come home for the holidays, we expect to see our beloved pets, our friends, and our family.

1. At Home Traditions

It seems every Christmas, the magical feeling seems to diminish. This is due to growing older each year, but also because parents think it's okay to slack with decorations and the Christmas spirit more and more.

All any college student wants is to come home and see a real Christmas tree, with the smell of pine, filling the house. No one wants to walk through the door and realize their Christmas tree is fake. This is a mark to the end of an era.

2. Pets... YAY

For me, just like most students returning home, we are very excited to see our lovable pets. Even though most of us had already seen them over Thanksgiving break, we are delighted to see them again. Being greeted by a wiggly little puppy, who is just as excited to see you as you are.

College really makes you appreciate any time you see a dog. If it’s around campus or when you go on a grocery run, never pass up an opportunity to pet a dog. And after all the stress of finals, dogs and cats are great stress relievers.

3. Old and New Friends

If you’re returning home to a small town, you might find yourself hoping you don't see any familiar faces. Running into people at the local grocery store while in your sweatpants and messy bun is embarrassing. Not to mention all the questions they ask about college.

The good side of this is when you get to see your long lost best friend. Catching up and comparing college stories goes a long way. We would be lost without great friends who help us through the holiday season.

4. Family Get-Togethers

A lot of the time, Christmas parties with extended family members are something we dread. All the questions about classes, parties, and if we have a new significant other are exhausting and somewhat depressing, And most of the time the answers are, “good, great, and no” We keep it short and sweet and hope no new questions arise. Even though we may get annoyed with our crazy families, the holidays would not be the same without them. All the jokes and memories from past Christmas’ make you very grateful for your crazy family and all that comes with them.

Returning home for the holiday season might not turn out as planned. All you can do is go with the flow and be thankful for the little things. And most of all, have a great Holiday Season and a Merry Christmas!