December is on its way, with all its syrupy sweet expectations of steaming comfort and family holiday time. December is forward-looking enough to appreciate what you have in the moment, but not too much to be overwhelmed by the future. Save the goals and resolutions for January; December is when you take stock of where you are and what you need. December will take care of you.
To me, December in university has meant perfecting financial formulas in time for that finance exam I am dreading, just in time to get on a 10+ hour trek back to my hometown. It’s knowing that you will untangle yourself from the excitement of student living for long enough to miss it. It’s snowflakes on your lashes outside of Stauffer Library, rushing for Starbucks holiday cups, and last meetings with romantic flames before departing for 3 weeks. Whenever I have left Kingston in time for the holidays, I feel an immeasurable sense of relief and excitement. I plug in my headphones and get comfortably uncomfortable on the Megabus, driving kilometres closer to my family home.
Even before university, December was quite possibly my favourite month. My elementary school’s annual Hannukah concert—an excuse to do your hair and makeup with friends and sing a flashy pop song on stage—was always my favourite part of the year. December is latkes at my grandparent’s house and rushing home to open presents; impromptu snow days watching re-runs of Friends; singing about being home for the holidays and actually being home for the holidays—or so I used to believe.
I have been 12,000km away from family home for 4 months now. This December’s anticipated arrival has made me reflect on what I consider home. Even for those who are not abroad, many university students say goodbye to their families for months of the year to attend Queen’s. Returning home may be synonymous with wheels touching down in the Vancouver airport, being welcomed by a long-awaited sushi meal and a hug from my parents and siblings. This December, none of those beloved things await me—yet I am reminded of home on the daily, especially leading up to December.
Home is not a place nor a city—it is my family and friends checking up on me while abroad, daily reminders of the people who will always have your back. It is laughing until you cry in a cozy Sydney apartment with new friends from across the world. It is the space I have created for myself to grow and become independent. Home for the holidays is a wonderful, comforting concept. It is one that reminds us that no matter the stress or discomfort of the past 11 months, you will breathe a sigh of relief come December, coated in hot chocolate and marshmallows with its warmth propelling you into the new year. But home for the holidays mustn’t come down to a physical space—it is whatever or whomever gives you that sweet sigh of relief.
And so, this December, I invite you to binge your favourite holiday movies, pour your favourite drink, and bask in the Decembers past and present. Hug and thank yourself for being where you are today: home.