Moving away from home for the first time is a strange experience. You have a lot of freedom and a lot of responsibility and it takes a lot of getting used to. The past week I have been learning that moving back in is just as strange, even if it only is for the holidays. There are a lot of things about living at home that I've missed but also a few things have come up that make the transition, no matter how temporary, a little awkward.

Living at home means comfort. There is nothing quite like sleeping in your own bed in your own room. Being home means lots of home cooked meals and quality family time which, for me, was just what I needed after finals. As sappy as it might sound, seeing your mom on a daily basis is a wonderful thing and is something I took for granted until I was moved out and didn't have that option anymore. Being home also means that school is out and that means way fewer things to be constantly stressing about. My first semester on campus was amazing but it certainly took its toll on me with all the worrying I was doing. Being home means relaxing and letting other people do the worrying for a little while. When your back home you have lots of free time to celebrate and be with loved ones. You get to see people you haven't seen in a while because you have all been scattered for school and work. Life keeps us all busy and special people drift from one another. It's a luxury to be able to spend time with those you've been missing or haven't caught up with in a while. The holidays are a special time of year as is, but having a break to rest and renew makes it even better.

While coming home is great, it can present a unique set of challenges. When you have gotten used to being able to do whatever you want whenever you want, returning to structure and rules can be uncomfortable. It's possible that you have picked up a few habits you wouldn't practice at home and you remind yourself you aren't on your own anymore. Butting heads with your parents is bound to happen, you've grown and things have changed. There is also a good chance you are on an entirely different sleep schedule than the rest of the house, I know I start my day halfway through theirs' and they go to sleep during my prime productive hours. I have been trying to train myself to go to sleep at a normal human time but I'm convinced I am nocturnal. It isn't easy going from complete freedom to being back under someone's roof but it's so nice that you are back home that everyone will just have to deal.

The holidays are a special time to relax and enjoy loved ones. Taking time to recharge after a long semester is important. It might be a readjustment period but it is worth it for all the memories, home cooked meals and nights sleeping in your own bed.

Happy holidays!