Going home for winter break is something that everyone looks forward to after finals. It’s the ultimate reward, the light in these dark, dark times. So much hope and expectations are placed on it being the ultimate vacation, the escape, pure bliss. Everything about it seems wonderful, and unattainable. So close, yet so far. You just have to suffer through the mountains and mountains of final assignments, papers, group projects and exams to get there. It is truly the definition of an uphill battle. You never knew why Jack and Jill endured such a journey just to get a pail of water, but now you get it. Winter break is your pail of water.

Going home may seem like a One Direction lyric: “Same old sh*t, but a different day.” But it’s not. Going home is having that comfort, being safe in that space of lowered expectations, hugs from friends and family, kisses from your dog, an overall warmth that can’t be matched at college. Yes, you basically do the same things except for going to school, but it’s different. You can get water here, but it’s not the same as if you had a glass at home (literally, the water is super different wherever you go). And when you think you wouldn’t make it out of finals week alive, the time has come to rejoice:

1. “I’m alive!”

I did it. I survived the Triwizard Tournament. I made it through the Hunger Games. I binge-watched all of "Gilmore Girls" (even season seven).

2. “FREEDOMMMMMMMMMM.”

It still hasn’t set in. The celebration continues. I’ve earned this. It’s time to treat myself.

3. “I’m just going to sleep the whole time.”

Be right back, don’t mind me, I’m just hibernating.

4. “Finally. I can read all those books I’ve wanted to for fun.”

Should I start with Mindy Kaling's new book? Or finally get around to reading "Orange is the New Black"? Or reread "Harry Potter" just for fun? What does it matter? I can read them all!

5. “But first, Netflix.”

Because you obviously haven’t spent enough time procrastinating by watching it at school, so it’s time to catch up on all the things that have just been added!

6. “So, what have I missed?”

You haven’t gone to war or been out of the country, but you’ve certainly climbed some hurdles these past couple weeks.

7. “Going outside? That’s actually a thing?”

I’m not joking. I thought it was something I had just read about in all of my books.

8. “Why is it so cold?”

The illusion starts to chip away. You didn’t ask for 20 inches of snow. You demand a redo on this whole winter break thing, with more emphasis on the break instead of the winter.

9. “We're in what month?”

It’s 2015? Man, time has certainly gotten the best of me.

10. “Oh. This is what food is supposed to taste like.”

Whether you’ve been dealing with the sh*tty food from the dining hall, or just immediately burn everything you put on the stove, it’s nice to be reminded of how things are supposed to be. Plus, nothing beats mom’s homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Winter Break is what you make of it...so here's to making it count!