I did not realize how much I missed from home when I left for college until the middle of the semester. These things go beyond the expected, like family and pets. These things I'd missed were more of memories rather than material things.

1. Your Best Friend

Danielle and I have been best friends for nine years, and even though we drive each other crazy, she is my best friend. Many times throughout this semester, I would think, “I have to tell Danielle this next time I see her!” But then I would remember that I would not see her until Christmas. Since we are both are home now for the holidays, she came over to my house yesterday and we basically tackled each other in a hug.

2. Your Favorite Coffee Shop

For me, because I practically bleed coffee, I have a couple favorite local coffee houses, but nevertheless, I had missed them so much. Just the atmosphere alone of your favorite coffee shop, is enough to make anyone swoon for home.

3. Your streets

This one sounds crazy, but when you think about it, it is true. Driving around my hometown, I do not have to worry about getting lost. I understand how the city is laid out and which interstates and roads run together. I can just drive and not worry about getting to the destination. (This is not where I live, although I wish I did! It is from a mission trip I went on to Peru.)

4. Your Favorite Store

Everyone has that “hole-in-the-wall” store that is unique to their town and a favorite of theirs. I happen to have lived, until this past April, in the international pocket of my city, Nashville, and one of my favorite stores is a Russian market. Being from Russia myself, the fact that there is a store like this within 15 minutes of my house makes me giddy with excitement. I went today and came home with Russian, pine cone soda, among Russian tea and chocolate.

5. The Culture of Your City

Every city has its own, unique, culture and you do not realize it until you are thrown into another culture. I live in Nashville, so the culture here is music oriented and hipster filled. Actually, my friends, siblings and I play a game while we are out-and-about called “Count the Man Bun." Whoever counts the most man buns by the time the outing is over, wins. It is quite entertaining.

6. Your Adventures

Lastly, the most missed thing while in college is the adventures you had and will have while home. My city holds so many adventures and memories with my family and friends. One memory, in particular, happened when I first got my drivers license. 16 year-old me drove the stylish minivan, which my mom made me plaster neon “student driver” magnets on every side of the car. It made the car so recognizable that while driving, my friends could tell it was my car with only a glance. The first time I drove alone on the interstate, I accidentally cut off a man in a small cargo truck while trying to merge before my lane ended. I felt bad and waved awkwardly to apologize, but the man was apparently furious. He proceeded to flip me off over six times- out the window, in the mirror and with both hands. This incident made 16 year old me tear up and now every time I am on that spot of the interstate, it reminds me of that adventure (and I laugh- it was not a scarring event).

During this holiday season, try to discover and embrace your memories and cherish them in your heart for the day you do not physically have reminders of them.