Thank goodness, I've survived finals... pretty much in one piece. However, being home for Christmas break as a senior... I think back to the first time I came home from college as a freshman... So much has changed. Being one of the last real breaks I'll be given before entering the work world... here are some words I wish I could go back and tell myself as a freshman.

Sleep In!

Hah, I laugh to myself as I even type this out. Surprisingly, I used to be an early bird who always wanted to be doing something... and therefore, my breaks would be packed full with meeting old friends who were back in town and family gatherings. So, I ended up going back to school just as exhausted as I had before. So, I wish I would've slept in, took better care of myself... and any socializing on top of that would be a bonus. I need to realize that I owed that much to myself at least.

Take More Pictures... Less Selfies

Yes, I still enjoy a good selfie. It's all about that confidence! But, during the holidays when friends and family come together, which isn't a regular occurrence, take more pictures depicting the way you want to remember people. Your mom and aunts in the kitchen, uncle and cousins watching the game... grandma asleep next to the tree. These will mean more in the long run than those posed selfies.

Don't Totally Go Overboard Eating

This one is still hard to handle. I mean I have my first degree in baking and pastry arts! I obviously like sweets! But, those New Year's resolutions don't get any easier when you've gotten used to eating your weight in mashed potatoes. In no way am I saying to not give into your cravings a bit... I'm just saying to not go off the deep end here. It also makes the struggle of being broke in college and not eating like royalty that much bitter.

Make Meaningful Gifts

Yes, make... not buy. Who's got the money to spoil all those friends of yours from your hometown? Answer: probably not you. Plus, the gift doesn't have to be huge/ big to be meaningful. Make things that your friends can take back with them, decorate their drab dorm rooms... a cute scrapbook page framed (or something like this) definitely means more than a cute pair of mid priced earrings. The exception to this rule is for immediate family, and if you know they are really needing this item.

Go to Family Events Before Meeting Up with Friends

I know the struggle of choosing between boring family parties and seeing your old school clique... but trust me, make family come first. Always. In life you are eventually going to lose contact with some from home. It's natural. But the people you're stuck with is family. Make them the priority. You'll never be at someone's funeral thinking... "I wish I hadn't gone to so many family gatherings."

Keep Up on School Things

School is probably the last thing you want to hear. I can understand, but do spend some time getting yourself mentally and physically organized for the upcoming semester. This gives you a better chance of hitting the ground running.

Do One Thing for Your Future Career

Work on your resume, attend a workshop/ speech, pick up some hours working/ volunteering in a related area. Going off of the whole "setting yourself up for school" thing, invest in yourself during this free time. It also might make you feel like you have less concerns about having chosen the right career for you.