For students returning home for winter break, there are many things suddenly lost and found in their social circles. While there may be many familiar faces as impromptu high school reunions pop up across the country, their new additions are also dissipating to their own homes. Yet another thing is often lost when the territory of a college campus is left behind. One of the most common rooms in colleges are common rooms for college kids. Whether it be a study room, computer lab, or simply the lobby of a dorm, there are always places for students to gather, work and relax. It is with this commodity that suburban strip malls often fall behind. There aren't many places that provide a seat and an outlet without the purchase of a plate of food or a cup of coffee.

Considering the stress that can occur during the holiday season, and especially the stress that comes from a good dose of cabin fever, it's important to get out of the house from time to time.

While at school a student is always a stone's throw from an array of hangouts and meetups, at home that all depends on which house is available. Even then, there are no neutral spaces to meet in. Regardless there's not a lot of charm in returning to the cyclical shuffle of different living rooms and basements.

While the holiday season is often one of bringing people together it's important to remember that there is a time and a place for taking a breather. When you spend all your time in the same place, with the same people, it can be hard to keep from going crazy. Designating a local coffee shop is one of the most important steps in coming home. There should always be a second place to work or relax when those pesky racist relatives come to town. It's not outlandish to take a break from your roommate at college, so why is it so weird to take a break from the roommates you're related to?