As an East-Coaster who went to the West Coast for college, I like to believe I have a pretty good perception of the benefits of living on each side of the country. When people proclaim the two coasts are completely different, I could not agree more. Not only does the West Coast have In-N-Out Burger and it rarely sees a drop of rain, the West Coast does not get to enjoy the beauty of snow covered streets and falling leaves.
I am super thankful I grew up on the East Coast. Thankful to have woken up on Christmas with snow outside and having the opportunity to meet up with friends to go sledding days prior. But I cannot deny living on the west coast is like living a vacation year-round. It is always sunny and the colors that dance across the sky when the sunsets are like nothing you can ever see on the East Coast. However, for an East Coaster, we cannot deny the west coast is great in moderation. People who don't understand the beauty of the changing season and struggles that come with that, they are certainly hard to deal with all year round. So, here are the reasons why coming home to the East Coast is the best during winter break!
1. There's no place like home.
Imagine being born and raised in the Bahamas. Obviously leaving would be a big drag (yes, I realize the East Coast isn't as breathtakingly beautiful as the Bahamas), but when you grow up your whole life in the same place, anywhere else you go will have small features that remind you of home. You'll be able to pick out every different detail all around the world -- good and bad. And coming home to familiarity, the same old streets and to the same old neighbor walking their dog, it'll be beautifully relaxing to be back in the swing of things.
2. The East Coast is just better.
And while we're talking about home (in this case the East Coast), let's just remind you, readers, that we on the East Coast are the originals (circa 1776). Our history goes back farther than the wannabe's over on the West Coast. Our flights to Europe are WAY shorter and fiction loves the East Coast (including your very own Avengers). We got the birthplace of hip hop (1520 Sedgewick Avenue, BRONX BABY) and even the president resides on the "better side."
3. Snow
So, I think all West Coasters can gloat that the one thing they have over the East Coast is snow. But since I have moved to the West Coast, I have developed a huge thankfulness for those beautiful crystals. Yes, when it has snowed back on the east, I can't say I was not a little happy to not be stuck with all the inconveniences, however, I was a bit envious. Growing up with four seasons and the pleasures that come with it, us on the East Coast seem like we've had a much more eventful childhood. We got to wake up on Christmas morning with snow. Most of us know how to ski or snowboard and have winters filled with traveling to the mountains to ride the slopes. We were able to build snowmen, go sledding with our friends, and get excited when the winter season was finally over! It's the little things in life and coming home for a month during winter break to experience those pleasures again is a beautiful, rewarding thing.
4. The food
West Coasters and East Coasters can both agree that no college food is better than Momma's food. But Momma's food has nothing on N.J.'s Taylor Ham Egg and Cheese, the East Coast's pizza, subs, Italian food, Chinese food, and diner food. Never have I missed these delicacies so much in the four months more in the months since I have been away at college. Most of these foods were a part of my weekly diet and sometimes I'd consume each more than once. I have already planned that on my first day of winter break, my parents need to bring me an everything bagel to the airport. Priorities.
5. The ability to visit different states
So, Californian's, if any of you have seen the movie "Spring Breakers," you must be aware of how easy it is for college students on the East Coast to visit Miami. If you put how easy it is to travel from state to state into context, winter break is the perfect time to travel from state to state! Since I have been in California, I have been reminded of my thirst to travel and all the places I want to visit when I get back for the month! Want to go hiking on the Delaware River? Skiing in Pennsylvania or Vermont? Quick weekend trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? You can have any of these and it only takes a few hours, if that.
6. New York City
Speaking of traveling between states, New York City in the Christmas time is magical. Seeing the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, ice skating at Central Park, family brunch at Tavern On The Green or FAO Schwarz is only a car ride away from anywhere on the East Coast. The ability to get to be in NYC during the best time of the year makes winter break even MORE awesome and exciting than the West Coasts.
7. Seeing all our friends, high school teachers and family
For those of you who go to school on the West Coast and live on the West Coast, it is a quick ride home or a super cheap plane ticket to get to see your family for fall or Thanksgiving break. Well guess what? I, the East Coaster, didn't get to see my family for Thanksgiving! Lots of us were stuck here at school because the ticket was too expensive, especially if we'll be home for winter break two weeks after the fact. However, the large amount of time between seeing friends, family and old teachers is what makes the reunion that much more special.
8. Time zone dominance
So that show I had to wait three extra hours to watch AFTER my friends back on the east, yeah, West Coasters, I can now watch that show three hours before you. Boom. (Even if it is only for a month, it's still glorious.)
9. Dunkin' Donuts
It's painful to think I will only get a small tease of the beautiful coffee that is from Dunkin' Donuts. But coming home for a month, the reunion between me and Dunkin Donuts will be real. And I mean, okay, maybe I'll miss the convience of Starbucks on every corner over here on the West Coast.
All in all, I have no doubt that going home for winter break to wherever you're from-- whether it be from west to east, southwest to northwest, or west to middle country -- I have no doubt that it is probably just as gloriously satisfying as it is for us returning to the East Coast. Happy winter break!