As college students, we wake up every day to get yet another bowl of cereal, drag ourselves to class just to have to go to work right after, and when we are finally free, we have to face down the mountain of homework we have been neglecting. We deal with roommate drama and make time for much needed bonding, we schedule group meetings and office visits with professors. We buy groceries and sometimes clean. Then, if we want any kind of a social life, we have to figure out how to fit that in as well. Basically, we could all use a break. Just about nothing feels sweeter than the day you finish exams and can finally make the trip home. You can go back to feeling like a kid again, even if it is just for those three short weeks. There are a hundred reasons why going home for winter break is a beautiful feeling, but a few stand out above the rest.
First and foremost, no class.
This one may go without saying, but those few weeks devoid of any papers or exams or quizzes are the most relaxing you have had in months, even if you are still working or doing an internship, at least there are no homework questions or PowerPoints to study endlessly on your days off. Your brain will finally be able to rest and recover from the strain of finals. You will finally be able to step back and breathe.
Seeing the family pet.
Unfortunately, not every college student on the planet has a pet to go home to, but for those who do, nothing makes us happier than seeing how happy they are to see us. Whether it is a yellow lab running towards you and jumping around in ecstatic circles, a cat who finally stops meowing to curl up on your chest, or maybe some other slightly unusual pet who has been waiting for your return, it will make for a perfect homecoming. Finally seeing your beloved childhood friend can make all of the stress and petty relationship trouble seem miles away and completely unimportant.
Food. Real food.
Once again, it is the unfortunate truth that not everyone goes home to a happy house with three-course dinners or five-star quality service, but even getting a few decent breakfasts consisting of more than cereal or cold pizza can mean the world to us. Knowing someone cares enough to take their time to cook for you is a wonderful thing. Not to mention the fact that you are basically starving and have been living on ramen for months.
Simply being around family.
One of the best parts of going home is quite simply that you are home. You are once again surrounded by people who love you and want you to succeed. You are with the people who have seen you at your best and worst and know that you can get through whatever college throws at you. Don't take the time you get to spend with family for granted, because before you know it you will be right back at that cold, crowded, and stressful campus wishing you had a little more time to listen to your mom telling you to take a second helping.
