Ah, winter break: the time to reconnect with hometown friends, family, and exes. There are ups and downs to being single and in a relationship over winter break, and here are my two cents on the matter.

Gifts.

Single: There’s one less person you have to go shopping for which means less stress at the mall and more money in your wallet. You never have to put a pair of shoes back because you have to save up for someone else’s pair of shoes. But because you aren’t buying someone else a gift, that also usually means they aren’t buying you one either.

In a relationship: Maybe you should hold off on that pair of shoes you’ve had your eyes on for months because your partner has had their eye on a few things, too. You have to think about someone else’s wants and desires before your own. But, hey, maybe they’re in line to buy those shoes for you right now. Maybe they’re not. Guess we’ll have to wait and see. But if it’s not the shoes you’ve been dying for, you have to pretend you’re happy to see that beautiful necklace or pair of gorgeous earrings. And that’s okay, because it means the world to see their smile when they open their terribly wrapped gift.

Snow days.

Single: Snow days when you’re single means lounging out on the couch with your favorite cup full of hot chocolate (with marshmallows and whipped cream, of course) in your favorite pajamas with your favorite movie on. Snow days when you’re single means finishing your hot chocolate and going sledding or having a snowball fight with some friends, or finding an empty parking lot to drift in. It means building an ugly snowman and nobody being around to judge you for its ugliness.

In a relationship: Snow days when you’re in a relationship is doing all of those while cuddling up with your partner, your best friend.

Instagram game.

Single: The days of blowing snow, making snow angels, and throwing it into the air are upon us and they are in full swing. You look strong and independent and your new jacket and scarf are on point.

In a relationship: You’ll have someone to take all those cute pictures for you and if they’re lucky enough you’ll let them get in a few -- sending your like count way up.

Mistletoe.

Single: Unless you’ve got your eye on someone and your wingmen are on their game tonight, the goal is to stay away. Stay as far away as possible. It’s stupid. There is no point to those little green leaves hanging under every single possible doorframe.

In a relationship: Those green leaves are still stupid. Not in the sense that you have to avoid them, though. Someone catches you under the mistletoe and demands a kiss? OK. Whatever. You were probably going to do it anyway.

New Year's kiss.

Single: Ugh, why. Why is this even a thing? What are we, 12 years old? If you and your crush are on the same level, cool. If you’re alone, kiss your champagne glass.

In a relationship: It’s a dumb tradition but it’s also the cutest. Not bitter about it at all. Your partner is letting everyone know that they’re excited to ring in the New Year with you by their side, in their arms, and not much is sweeter than that feeling.

Hometown hookups.

Single: That guy you used to kind of have a thing with has been trying to reconnect with you for a couple weeks now -- some random snapchats and texts here and there. You go along with it because it feels familiar and what’s the worst that could happen?

In a relationship: It’s not a hookup because afterwards you get to drink hot chocolate and have a snowball fight with your best friend. Everyone wins. Every single time.

The choice of being single or in a relationship over winter break may not always be your choice, but it’s OK. There are pros and cons to every situation and you’re the only one that has the ability to decide which one is best for you. You’ll be fine either way because no matter what, there’s hot chocolate.