Christmas break is the much needed month away from the rush of school work, exams, and 3 am study nights. It's a time to unwind, visit with family, see hometown friends, but these five things make it the best time of year.

1. Mom's Food

You've had your share of ramen noodles, subway, and microwave Mac n' cheese. It's now time for the good stuff. Fried chicken, homemade pies, real mashed potatoes and the best cake in the world. Because everyone's mom makes the best cake.

2. Hometown friends

New college friends are awesome. You learn to do life together through the random lifestyle of college. You swing late nights and 8 a.ms together, but hometown friends will always see the best in you and greet you with open arms during every break.

3. Your own bed

Dorm beds and student apartment beds are just not quite the best. There is nothing better than sinking into your perfectly worn in bed and not getting out for a month.

4. Your pets

Pets are one of the best things on earth. They love you unconditionally and honestly, who doesn't love a nice fluffy little being curled up next to you?

5. Christmas presents

Once you enter college, you stop receiving items you don't need during Christmas, and rather you receive things you need. Like grocery store gift cards, toiletries and Tupperware. Because nothing is better than some colorful Tupperware.

I'm sure everyone has the things that make their holiday special, but these are things you can never beat. The holiday will always be a special time of the year, enjoy it while it's around.