A Journey Back to Love, Laughter, and Leftovers
By: Tessa May

Credit: theCHIVE
Planes, Trains and Everything In-Between
Ah, the pilgrimage back home.
Some of us are packing our bags for a flight (and let’s be real, praying our AirPods don’t die mid-way), while others buckle up for a long drive, coasting along highways that seem to stretch on forever. Depending on where you’re headed, the scene outside your window could be a winter wonderland or the ever-familiar sunshine of Florida. Regardless of the weather, the holiday journey feels like hitting the pause button on college life and stepping back into something that’s part comfort, and possibly part chaos.
The Home Dynamic - One Size Does Not Fit All
For many, the holidays are a mixed bag. Maybe your family’s idea of holiday cheer includes matching pajamas and movie marathons, or maybe it’s more low-key—a quick hello to the family pet before retreating to your old bedroom. If you’re lucky, you might get a meal (or three) cooked by someone other than yourself or your roommate. But every family’s vibe is unique, and that’s the beauty of it. For some, this season is cozy and warm; for others, maybe it’s a more complicated web of family traditions, subtle (or not-so-subtle) interrogations, and tons of catching up. It’s important to recognize these quirks and embrace them when we can, as they have shaped us into the young adults we are today.
Nostalgia, Revisited
Being home can sometimes feel like stepping into a time machine. The high school trophies, the middle school yearbooks, that questionable taste in decor that you swore was “so you” back then—it all comes rushing back. And yet, every year, we show up as different versions of ourselves. The college experience has this funny way of shaping you without you even realizing it. Suddenly, the things that used to bug you about home are endearing, and the traditions you once rolled your eyes at are heartwarming.
Reflection and Recharge
College life is fast. Between exams, assignments, and whatever the social demands are, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on empty. The holidays are the perfect time to catch your breath. Take a walk through the neighborhood, spend time with friends who know the “old you,” maybe even bring that side of you out a little, and then reflect on how far you’ve come since then. It’s a chance to let your guard down, indulge in family habits, and remind yourself that even though college is a wild ride, there’s always a place to land when you need a break.
Old Traditions, New Additions
Every year brings something new. Maybe this year you’re introducing your family to a college friend who’s practically become family themselves, or a significant other who’s sharing this special time with you for the first time. Perhaps you’ve decided to spice things up by adding a new dish to the family’s holiday spread, an offering that reflects the new recipes and preferences you’ve picked up along the way. These moments allow you to honor the warmth and familiarity of past celebrations while embracing the new person you’ve become. The holiday season reminds us that the ideas of growth and nostalgia don’t need to clash. Instead, they complement each other, proving that moving forward doesn’t mean leaving the past behind—they’re just two sides of the same journey home.
Final Thoughts As We Depart
Going home for the holidays is more than just a trip, it’s a reminder of the constant movement within our lives. Each journey back home bookmarks a chapter on how far we’ve come—through personal growth, new experiences, and even challenges—and offers a moment to pause and reflect on where we’ve been. It’s also a time to reconnect, sharing laughter, stories, and spirit with the people who know and love us best. So, as you pack your bags and prepare for whatever your journey looks like, take some time to truly savor the moments, big and small, this holiday season.
Embrace the beauty of coming together and creating new memories with the people who make home truly feel like home.
Tessa May is a third-year online editorial writer at Rowdy and an advertising student at UF. In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga, mindless Pinterest surfing, and creating excellent playlists for her every mood.
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