Going home from college is a feeling like no other: you get to see family, friends, and get to do your favorite home-y things again. But going home doesn't feel quite like it did from living there the first 18 or so years of your life; even the simplest things turn into some grand ordeal.

1. *Gets a text from Mom* "Oh I need to clean so badly before you get home!"

Mom, are you okay? Since when has cleaning the house for me become a priority? I'm usually the one that helps you clean, so I'm surprised you're not waiting for the house to get vacuumed until I get back! (Don't get me wrong, though. It is quite lovely walking into a nice and clean house.)

2. Home-cooked meals!

For me personally, my family is the type to say, "make yourself a PB&J for dinner" but when I'm home for the holidays, it's constant, "Do you want Dad's chicken cutlets tonight? What day would be best to have mom's pot-pie?"

3. Your room looks straight out of Pottery Barn.

Bed made and junk actually put away: it's like a Christmas miracle. Thanks, Mom.

4. Your pets act quite confused.

I always wonder where my dog and cat think I disappear to for a few months at a time. When I walk in the door, it's like they're thinking, "Oh who is this girl walking into the hou- OH WAIT IT'S ONE OF MY MASTERS. PET ME PET ME PET ME."

5. People come from far and wide to see you!

At this point it's not just like I just feel like a guest, but I feel like a celebrity, too. Family and friends and folk that I haven't seen in forever now want to make plans to explore the city, grab some food, or just chat in my kitchen.

Take advantage of all of the strange (and wonderful) things that occur when you step inside of your doorway. Being a guest in your own home isn't such a bad thing!