Being home for the holidays from college is a great time. It’s a perfect time to catch up with family. It’s a time where old friends will reconnect with each other and share their college stories. The holidays are the perfect time to catch up on sleep that you missed by being at the library until 4 a.m. for finals. Being home for the holidays is almost a vacation away from school-- but almost isn’t the same thing as “is”. These are five things that you’ll ask yourself while you are home for the holidays.

1. What changed?

Walking into your house after being in college is like a new world. You finally have the space of your own that you so desperately missed. After you’ve finished giving all the attention to your dog you’ll immediately ask, "What’s changed?" It doesn’t have to be big things, but you’ll notice some things around your house have changed since you’ve been gone. Maybe mom moved the potted plant that sat in front of your door or dad has finally decided to clean up the office space that has been a mess since you can remember. These aren’t huge changes but they are enough for you to feel different.

2. So this is what a real bed feels like?

I think we can all agree when I say that dorm beds suck. They aren’t the right texture. They feel more like a brick than a bed, and most importantly you are more likely to fall off of them then stay on them. The moment you set your stuff down and spread out into your bed you’ll immediately regret every night spent on your uncomfortable dorm bed. Sleeping in your own bed is what truly makes coming home worth it. Instead of having to deal with a tiny uncomfortable bed you can snuggle right up into your giant bed.

3. Where did all my clothes go?

Packing for winter break is alway tricky. You want just the right amount of clothing to feel like you could go to a family function or to a party with friends. Of course, if you are like me, you’ll pack the minimum amount thinking you left enough clothes at home to cover you. That is until you go home and realize everything you enjoy wearing is back at school. Opening your closet for the first time since being home can be depressing. Where once there was a rainbow of clothing in front of you, there now is a dark and empty closet. Don’t worry, though, I’m sure you’ll get some from Christmas.

4. Is this real food?

Dining halls and school food places are great for the active college student that needs a quick meal, but there is something about a home cooked meal that is 10x better. For the next few weeks you are treated like a king, or so you think. Your meals are prepared for you and cooked just the way you like them. Going home for the holidays never tasted better.

5. Did I really miss my family that much?

There is no denying it, college is loads of fun. There is so much to do. So much to see. And so much to learn. College is something that will be etched into our minds until we die. But it isn’t until we are home that we truly find out how much we have missed our family. We missed their laughter. We missed their love and the sense of joy we get from being around them. Going home for the holidays is great because we are with the people we love.