College is great, and I love everything about it. However, there is nothing quite like being home for the holidays.

There are a few things that I am especially looking forward to while being home in the good ol’ state of New Jersey this winter break.

1. BAGELS EVERY DAY

Okay, maybe not EVERY day but every other day??? I just really, really like Pork Roll (Yes, I said Pork Roll, NOT Taylor Ham FYI) Egg and Cheese on an Everything bagel with salt, pepper, and ketchup a whole ton. Sheepshead Baygels in Holmdel, NJ, never disappoints and if you have not gotten a bagel from there, you should do that immediately.

2. PIZZA

Pizza Friday’s are a weekly tradition in my family, and I fully intend to eat a whole pie every Friday that I am home during the months of December and January. Papa John’s and Domino’s are NOT REAL pizza, and this will forever be a struggle going to school down South.

3. Playa Bowls

Okay, I promise that not all of these will be about food, but Monmouth County has some of the greatest food and I will say what I must on the subject. BUT, I cannot wait to indulge in a refreshing Pitaya bowl at one of the many locations along the Jersey Shore #gobowlsdeep.

4. Beach Sunrises

I am convinced that New Jersey has some of the best sunrises. I am in awe of earth’s beauty each time that I drag myself out of bed at 5 a.m., and I promise that every time it is worth it! Watching the sunrise while wrapped in a blanket, sitting on the cool sand, and listening to the crashing sound of the waves is 100 percent my happy place at home.

5. Inkwell Coffeehouse

LOL, I’m back to food!!! Inkwell fries are just too good to spend a month at home without taking a 2 a.m. drive for.

6. Rockefeller Christmas Tree

One of the best things about living in Monmouth County is that we are only a 60-minute train ride from New York City. And, I never knew how important this was until I went to school in Virginia and met so many people who have never experienced the hustle, bustle, and magic of a NYC Christmas. You can bet that I will be posting pictures of the Christmas tree on Instagram for my college friends to see (Sorry, not sorry.)

Monmouth County has a lot to be missed while being away at school for so long. But, the things that I am most looking forward to are laying on the couch at home, snuggling with my dog, and seeing the beautiful faces of family and friends.

Whether your winter break is spent in Monmouth County, New Jersey, or anywhere else, enjoy being home for the holidays and make it a memorable month!