Winter break is quickly approaching, and for most of you, that means you’re excited to put the books down, let your laptops collect dust, and get started on your Netflix binge watching list.
Winter break is one of the magical unicorns of college where you have an entire month to essentially do nothing but wait until the spring semester starts back up.
And though this sounds glorious, you will soon find that after things settle and the holidays come to an end, you’re wishing you were back in the four corners of your dorm room studying away - simply for the sake of your sanity.
To prepare you, we have summed up the stages of what going home for the holidays is like.
(We have all been there.)
Our quote of the day, from Rugrats
Omg stfu already (credit: @kardashianedition on Insta)
If one more person asks if you have a boyfriend/girlfriend you’re going to scream. Also, no, you have zero idea what you’re going to school for and what you want to do when you graduate. Chill Aunt Susan! Time to consider recording the answers to the perpetual questions asked by every aunt and uncle so you can continue on in peace.
Stage 1: Finals cease! Let's go HOME!

The moment you have been training for is here. Throwing away all of your exam study guides, not even thinking about how you did on your finals, quickly packing your bags, and frantically calling your parents to see if they are on their way to come get you (or alternatively rushing to the airport). Whatever your situation is, you can finally think about something other than physics and get on with your life. And also, let the Christmas countdown begin!"I’m heading home to have myself a juice, snuggle with my blankie and go nap nap." 👶💤
Stage 2: Reunited and it feels so good!
Finally! You’re back in the comfortable territory of your hometown. You’re making plans to see the friends you haven’t seen in months, play with your dog, and more importantly… reconnect with your bed! Time is of the essence and you don’t want to waste a single moment.Stage 3: “What on earth is a curfew?”
What better way to kick off this vacation than cozying up on your couch at home with your dog and your favorite snacks. Mom’s baking cookies in the kitchen and folding your laundry at the same time (superhero) and the nostalgic smells are wafting through the air. And yes, Netflix just asked if you were still watching, and no, you don’t feel any shame about that. If this is considered wrong, you don’t want to be right."18-22 is a confusing age. I got friends getting married, some in prison, and some still have to ask their parents to stay out past curfew."
— College Student (@ColIegeStudent) August 21, 2018
Stage 4: The family party woes

If one more person asks if you have a boyfriend/girlfriend you’re going to scream. Also, no, you have zero idea what you’re going to school for and what you want to do when you graduate. Chill Aunt Susan! Time to consider recording the answers to the perpetual questions asked by every aunt and uncle so you can continue on in peace.
Stage 5: Post-holiday blues
In the blink of an eye, the holiday cheer wears off, soon the Christmas tree is stripped of all your childhood glory and homemade ornaments. Now you’re left with nothing but a blank sheet of paper to write some New Years resolutions on.
It’s pretty common to feel the post-holiday blues. The holidays bring so much excitement, and lots of eating and you are probably feeling a bit sluggish and also a little unsure of what to do next… which is bad because you have three long weeks ahead of you.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or depressed, these mental health resources can help get you through it.