It’s the holiday season, which means draining bank accounts on gifts for guilt-tripping baby cousins and family members you see once a year. It also starts the family traditions; mine being fruit loop garlands, streaming the Mickey Mouse Christmas collection, and skipping school to ice skate on top of the local whole foods (yes, that’s what Texans do in the winter).

For many freshmen in college, it could be their first time away from home during this special season. As a former grinch who refused to celebrate Christmas before Thanksgiving, I’ve found myself embracing the ribbon, wrapping, and hot cocoa before the air is even properly chilly. On November 2nd, my roommate and I cleared out the Halloween decor, and headed to cheap stores to gather some cheer. A couple hours later, our suite beheld stockings, a mini tree, and tinsel all over. At first, I only agreed to decorate to appease my roommate and lift her spirits as we approached finals. However, as we roamed from store to store, I found myself giddily picking up more bows, festive plates, and even holiday handsoaps. Whether I knew it or not, I was missing home; more so missing my mom shoving Christmas down my throat as I pleaded for the tree to be brought out in a few weeks rather than days.

So after seeing my entire social media feed covered with videos about family, how have I personally stayed connected with my family whilst being over 1,500 miles away?

I’ve found that it’s the little moments through the day that strengthen the bonds that stretch across the country. When I happen to finish a class early and I know my mom is on her lunch break, I Facetime her to chat; my dad is driving and I’m getting ready for dinner; my nana is at home and i’m sitting in City Hall Park. These moments last a few minutes, but their effect ripples out into the rest of my day. It reminds me that I have support across the country – a group of voices shouting “DO NOT SKIP CLASS AGAIN!!!”

Even further is my best friend since elementary school – who decided to uproot my LIFE and move just outside London. My other best friend is in Boston, working as an uber driver, coffee maker, and full-time student. Although we all have busy lives, we make time for one another. We enforce the notion that no matter the mileage, the group remains intact and ready to take on whatever comes our way.

It’s difficult to get through the season when those around you are just a train ride away from their loved ones; but remember to reach out. Talk to that grandparent you miss – message your parents about the under-sweetened coffee you just got. Even though it’s only a few minutes a day, it can truly help lift your spirits to talk to those who know you best.

A word to the wise: don’t snuff out your traditions from home just because you aren’t physically there. Gather your friends and share it all – the real ones will stick by you and help you celebrate the way you always have at home.