Most of us are counting the days, hours and minutes until the moment we can head home for Christmas break. We know the number of projects or tests that stand between us and freedom.

So we expect our breaks to be a beautiful haven from the busyness of school work. We believe the three weeks will pass in utter bliss, surrounded by our loving family as we sit around the fire sipping hot chocolate.

But reality can often disappoint what our gleeful imaginations create. Not only do most people not have a fire place to begin with, but most of us will face some strife on our holiday.

Christmas shopping and holiday parties might pack our days as much as school ever does. Our parents will probably drag us around to every family thing imaginable, plenty which we may dread.

And though we love our families, sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder, and we remember only the sparkly, happy times. We might imagine that returning home to our kin will be a needed break from months with our roommates, who we love, but we need a break from.

But the stress of holidays and the sudden change of place and pace can exacerbate family tensions. Some may arrive home to open arms of parents who the next day irk us. It’s difficult to be at school and feel like an adult and return home and be a baby.

This is not to put a damper on holiday cheer. Spending time with our family and friends is obviously a joyous thing. But it’s important to remember that nothing’s ever perfect, and it’s easier to enjoy these times when we keep that in mind.

When we come back for break, schoolwork, jobs and activities will rush in to greet us, and we might start neglecting those people at home. So remember to not take holiday stress to seriously and spend time relaxing with family and friends.