Don’t get me wrong, I love Thanksgiving and Christmas and the general holiday season (for those of you who are butt-hurt about the Starbucks cup debate) as much as the next holiday crazed person. These holidays hold some of the best traditions I enjoy celebrating with my family year after year. There is something to be said about a traditional routine in a busy time of year. Every family member sets aside a time for each other, just to enjoy one another’s company. Plus what could actually beat a home cooked meal?

Now, as with all things in life, with the good also comes the bad. Returning to a place you haven’t been to in an extended period of time can be refreshing, but it also comes with some challenges. These challenges include coming home and not being able to recognize your town because seemingly overnight they have re-paved all of the roads and built seven new Chipotles within a mile distance of your house. Returning to your hometown for the holidays means that while there are many reasons why you’re glad to be home, there are few reasons why you look forward to leaving once the ball drops on the first of the year. I’d like to call these parts, the best and worst of coming home for the holidays.

Best: Home cooked meals.

There is no argument that after an entire semester of eating cafeteria food, there is nothing better than your own family’s cooking. I can already smell breakfast being made on Thanksgiving day while I’m watching the parade.

Worst: Where did these 25 pounds come from?

Thanksgiving is only the beginning. Holiday feasts ensure more than food-baby weight. Freshman 15 is a thing of the past and the holiday break 25 is here to stay.

Best: Seeing your family.

Good God, have I missed listening to my family bicker over who didn’t wish each other a happy birthday in the past months while my uncle is making some inappropriate joke and my brother has already finished his second plate before I’ve even reached for the salad.

Worst: “So what exactly are you doing after graduation?”

Please don’t make me think about it, Grandma. This question is usually followed by, "So are you dating anyone?" Or my personal favorite, "What ended up happening with you and that boy you brought home to meet us?"

Best: Seeing your friends that went too far away to school that you couldn’t visit.

Or you were just far too busy with all 19 credits you were taking to even travel to your friend who attended a school only an hour away from you.

Worst: Seeing every single ex-significant other you’ve ever had. Ever.

Walking into your hometown bar on Thanksgiving eve and seeing your ex-boyfriend with his current girlfriend isn't exactly how you pictured your holiday season starting, so you do what any other reasonable person would do, *moonwalk out of the bar*.

Best: Sleeping until whatever time you want to because 8 a.m. classes don’t exist on break.

What exactly is an alarm?

Worst: Returning to school and sleeping through all of your 8 a.m. classes.

Because, irresponsible.

Best: running into people you’ve lost touch with and catching up over coffee or a drink.

“Let’s try to talk at least once a week while we’re back at school, okay?”

Worst: running into people you haven’t seen since high school and the awkward conversation that is sure to ensue.

“Oh, wow – I’m sorry I forgot. Where did you go to school, again?”

Regardless of the worst parts of the approaching holiday season, I’m incredibly excited for the best. Happy holidays to all, and to all good luck running into your exes.