There are so many things that make a home, home. We tend to let these little things happen without really appreciating them. Whether it be laying with my dog on my living room floor or getting ice for my drink without having to refill an ice tray, there are so many things I'm looking forward to this break, and I'm not going to take any of them for granted.

No school work

For anyone taking a winter semester course, I feel deeply sorry for you. For everyone else, enjoy the free time doing whatever you like at home or on vacation without the lingering thought of school work. Sure, Thanksgiving break was nice not having class, and I don't know about you guys, but I had two tests and a paper due the week I got back, so to say the break was relaxing would be a generous statement. Enjoy the few weeks you have with no professor to report to.

Time with your pet

No matter what kind of furry friend you have, spend time with them. If your pet is as old as mine, you know it sucks having to leave for school not knowing if they'll make it until next time you're home, so cuddle them up. No matter what you do with them, you'll miss them so much when you're gone, so take advantage of being with them while you can.

Real food

Obviously you eat real food at school, but does it always taste like it? Take advantage of being home and eating some home-cooked meals. Even if it's not home-cooked and you go out to dinner with family, it'll be nice to have someone else cook for you every once in a while and not worrying about whether you're having ramen noodles or chicken nuggets for your next meal.

Family time

This one pretty much goes without saying, but enjoy time with your family! Even if you only see them on the holidays, spend as much time with them as you can. It's most likely difficult to be away from your family all the time, and it's definitely harder for your parents than you. Play board games, watch movies, just sit and talk. Whatever you do with your family quality time, have fun while you're with them.

Time with friends 

Odds are you don't go to school with all of your friends from home, so take some time out of your break to get together and catch up. Friends from home will remind you of so many memories and it will feel good to spend some quality time with the friends you wish you saw more. Get coffee, go out to eat, or go shopping. The opportunities are endless with your best friends by your side.

Your bed

Depending on if you took your bed to school or not, there may be a major difference between your bed at school and your bed at home. Even if your bed at school is a little more comfortable, you'll probably fall fast asleep in your bed at home. Snuggle up with your old teddy bear and your Tempurpedic pillow, and get some sleep. You deserve it.

The holidays

If you're celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or a number other holidays during this season, you're sure to have some celebrating to do while you're home. Eat all the food. Drink all the drinks. Play all the games. Open all the presents. You may not realize it at the time, but the holiday season is the best time of the year, and you'll be waiting a whole year until it happens again.

There are so many things to be thankful for and to appreciate while you're home, so try to appreciate them while you're there. You'll be back to school before you know it and won't be home for an extended period of time until spring break. Spend time with your friends, family, and your pets this holiday season.