After a very long semester and a grueling week of finals, most college students are more than eager to reside in the comfort of their own homes to spend some quality time with their family and friends. Weeks of feeling homesick and stressed can finally be put aside as all you can think about is sleeping in your own bed and enjoying some home-cooked meals by your mom. The few weeks spent home for holiday break truly do exemplify the saying that "there's no place like home for the holidays," giving you the chance to realize how precious the moments spent with your family can be.

I've come to find, myself, that no matter how long of a time period I spend away from home or how many years I've experienced being 300 miles away from my family, that the time I do get to spend together with them is more appreciated each time it comes around. As much as I love going away to school and spending months at a time in a different environment testing my own "adulting" skills, I constantly count down the days until I can run through the front door and be greeted with kisses from my dogs and excruciatingly tight hugs from my mom and dad. I'll even admit that I still get excited to see my younger sister and have the opportunity to spend some quality alone time with her, as we don't get the chance to talk much when I'm at school.

I use every second of my time home, which is, unfortunately, shorter than most other school's breaks, spending time with each of my loved ones and taking in the beauty of having the whole family together once again. Whether I'm away from home for just a few weeks or 3 months, there is always so much to do, so much to talk about, and so many memories to make. The holidays have always been known to bring people together in the best ways possible, and I believe that going away to school has helped me appreciate that sentiment even more.

While not all families may get along in the same manner as others, I believe it is so important to put all differences aside to embrace the spirit of the holidays and the opportunity to bond again. It's not just a bedroom that you leave unoccupied when you go away to school, but also your laughter, smile, and presence that are missed immensely by your family.

It is not a request I have, but more of an urge, to truly embrace that saying "there's no place like home for the holidays," and use your time home from school to create new memories with your loved ones and look back on the old memories. Embrace the holiday spirit to whatever extent your heart desires, but remember that at the root of every holiday's meaning is the importance of family and bonding, so be sure to treasure it with every ounce of your being.