Sometimes, I wish I were still in college.

But more often than not, and especially at this hectic time of year, I'm thankful that part of my life is behind me.

Not too long ago I had a dream—more of a nightmare, really—that I woke up in my twin extra-long bed in East Hall , late for my Chaucer> final. I hadn't done any holiday shopping, and I had to be packed and out of the dorm for winter break by noon. The panic I felt when I awakened for real was as palpable as it had been in 1992 .

To be sure, it's a stressful time—and it's no different for college students. Between taking exams, moving out of the dorm, finding funds for holiday gifts, and getting yourself mentally prepared to live with your family again, there's a lot to do.

So give yourself a break. Here's what worked for me:

• Once you get home, sleep. Catch up on all the rest you've been depriving yourself of for the last few weeks (or more likely, the last four months).
  
  
• Don't go overboard on holiday spending. Instead, spend quality time. My mom, who was only too happy to have me home even though my school was just across town, always said, "Your presence is my gift!"
  
  
• Call your high school friends who are home from college—and see how they've changed. All of my formerly clean-cut guy friends were now sporting long hair, beards, and flannel! 
  
  
• Enjoy your family. Take advantage of your brother's technical prowess with computers, your mom's home cooking, and your dad's advice on—well, if he's anything like mine—absolutely everything.

Speaking of winter break, we're taking one, too. The Student LoanDown team will be back with new blog posts in the New Year. Until then, happy holidays!