Winter Break is a wonderful time of the year. We get to sleep in and not have to worry about homework or going to class the next day for nearly a month. A time we all desperately need off. As someone who doesn't go home often, these are my favorite things about being home.

1. The Food

I can honestly say I never realized how much I missed a home cooked meal until I got home. Pizza that is fresh out of the oven and doesn't droop with grease, steak that isn't bland, and food that is seasoned properly.

2. Late Night Movies

Sitting and watching Clue or Scrooged with my cousins while relaxing on a couch is a great way to spend a night. I love to do the same thing with my friends at school, but it is a treat to actually be able to spend it with my relatives.

3. Decorating

Decorating in my family involves the biggest mess, a lot of giggling, and more than a little bit of clumsiness. We throw decorations and paper, we argue about how the Christmas tree should go, and we try not to fall over as we hang decorations well out of our reach.

4. Game Nights

I just finished playing Monopoly, and there is nothing funnier than the three of us arguing over what properties to trade while we eat pizza. Or my younger cousin and I yelling across the house as we play Town of Salem because the other lied about their role in the murder mystery game.

5. Stupid Questions

This is a tradition between my younger cousin and I. I usually get up first in the mornings and am well awake by the time she comes downstairs. Thus, I try to come up with a stupid question every morning to ask her. As stupid as I can think of. This is usually along the lines of "Do tall peoples have problems sleeping because they can't fit underneath the blankets?" This usually earns a shut up as she goes to get coffee and I get a laugh.

6. The Coffee and Tea

My older cousin works for Community Coffee, and the coffee when I come back is amazing. I might be on break, but I do have to have my coffee.

7. Cats!

Like anyone else, I love animals, but I can't have them at school. Thus, I get to come back to two cute little cats that like to chase lasers all around the living.

So, even though I don't get the chance to make my way home often, being home for the holidays definitely has its perks. I am going to enjoy every one of them.