Well..I am sure that we can all recollect how utterly excited we were for the warm summer weather to be a thing of the past and how much we could not wait to be done with the first semester of the year. As they often say, we get what we ask for...the time is upon us.

I am not too sure about others, but October-December are my most favorite months of the weather and oddly enough, I really enjoy the month of May....I am unsure why. Anyway, I am super-duper pumped for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I can already smell the cakes baking in the oven and the sound of the doorbell ringing with family eagerly waiting to come in.

Now, I full comprehend that as college students, we are all just looking forward to an endless family buffet, our nice warm beds, personal space, and most of all, sleep, sleep, and more sleep. Trust me, I am with you on that one. But, there are a few things that come up during the holidays that we all may nee help with and I am your guy...

Political Discussions- From a very young age, I learned that the two topics that one should stray-away from bringing up at any family function or dinner table are politics and religion. Sometimes, with family around, it is nearly impossible to avoid discussing either of those topics. The best advice that I can give you for this one is just to respectfully agree to disagree. It is much easier to comprehend that everyone has their own views and we should just respect that.

School- This is one topic that one simply cannot get around. No matter what, your family members are going to pop the question that college students simply do not want to hear "So, ______ how is school going?" YIKES! No matter if you are doing well in school or not, just simply dodge this question with a response of "it is going well" *insert smile* and that should be enough to get the job done.

Dating- Uh....yeah....do not make me toss the turkey half-way across the room. My love life is as nonexistent as flying Thanksgiving turkey. So, let us just move on from that.

Future plans- This is one topic that I do not mind getting into. As a college student, one of the hot-button topics around the family table tends to be what your plans may be for the future. Some of the best advice that you may receive in regard to what you should do in your future, is going to be from your family. After all, they have your best interest at heart and are thoughtful and experienced.

Lastly and most of all, it is imperative to enjoy the holiday time. As we get older, it appears that the holiday season just seems to come just as fast as it goes. We are all getting older and one day, we are going to look back and wish we had the time with family that we do now. Eat, sleep, relax, and be merry. It is the HOLIDAY TIME!