This is it. The final days of the fall semester. You had a taste of freedom over Thanksgiving break, and now you can see the light at the end of the tunnel as the stress of finals is almost behind you. It has been a long and strenuous semester and we deserve a break. Here are the top 10 things every college student looks forward to about winter break.

1. Going home.

No matter the distance, it is amazing knowing that you are going to be able to go home for a solid four weeks. You get to unwind from the semester and there is no better place to do that that your own home.

2. Your mother's cooking.

Let's face it -- nothing beats a home cooked meal by your mom. She'll make your favorite meal because she's so excited to have you home and you'll get to pig out on something that isn't dorm food.

3. Getting to do absolutely nothing.

This is a time of rest and relaxation because the physical and mental demands of school are utterly exhausting. So turn all your alarms off and sleep until 3 p.m. because you deserve it.

4. Having your own room.

There is not a lot of privacy in college, so being able to go home and retreat into your own room and be alone for a few hours in necessary. You forget how good it feels to have a room to yourself after living with a roommate for so long.

5. Spending the holidays with your family.

Yeah, it's annoying that your relatives ask you 20 questions, but you know deep down there's nowhere you'd rather be.

6. Reuniting with hometown friends.

Your friends at school are great, but meeting up with your friends from your hometown is a special affair. The beautiful thing about hometown friends is that you can pick up right where you left off and it doesn't feel as if you've been apart. You can talk for hours and catch up with each other.

7. Reuniting with your pet.

Whether you are a dog lover or a cat lover, everyone can agree that it's the best feeling to be reunited with them. They have missed you just as much as you've missed them.

8. Driving.

Not everyone has access to their cars at school and it is easy to forget how nice it is to be able to get in the car and just drive somewhere. You no longer have to ask someone for a ride or ask to use their car because you have your own waiting for you in your very own driveway.

9. Sleeping in your own bed.

I don't care if you have the most expensive mattress pad on the market, something about sleeping in your bed at home is remarkable. There is nothing better than crawling into your bed with freshly washed sheets and being able to sleep without the stress of school.

10. Showering in your own shower.

You don't have to wear sandals n the shower. Enough said.