The weather has begun to chill, lights are streaming from businesses and houses and the talk of what Santa will bring in presents this year is on everyone’s mind.

It’s the holiday season and a much-needed break for college students.

The holiday season, or what is known as winter break for college students, is a time of year to take a break and spend with family, friends or work to make some extra cash.

It is a time when college students aren’t worrying about homework or what their future holds. They have the opportunity to be grateful for the amount of sleep they actually got last night and the time they have to actually do something they have been planning on doing for months.

Senior Kelsey Cobb said she enjoys just going home on the holidays and spending time with family.

“My family and I buy new pajamas every Christmas and wear them on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning to open presents,” Cobb said. “We have been doing this for about three years and decided to do this to make Christmas more exciting around the house.”

The holiday’s can be anything you make it. For Cobb, she and her family wanted to spice up their Christmas experience and get the family to do something together.

For senior Chris Cummins, going home for winter break is much needed because he is from California and rarely gets the chance to travel back.

Winter break is the first chance Cummins gets to go home since August. It’s a time he spends with family and old friends who he hasn’t seen in the last couple of months because of being at Baker.

“We have Christmas dinner at our house, (we cook) a turkey and watch Christmas day sports together,” Cummins said. “It’s nothing exciting, but fun for the family.”

Junior Madison Mater sees Santa every year over break.

At her home, on Christmas morning, Mater’s mom makes a German breakfast. While she and her brother are eating, Santa comes and brings them gifts to open.

“Yes, Santa still comes.” Mater said. “And if you make the mistake of asking for underwear from Santa, he hangs them all over the tree.”

The holidays are a time to spend with family and take a break from reality. It is a time to eat a lot and be lazy. Holidays bring everyone together from their busy schedule and allows families to bond.