Most college students think of home as a safe haven amid grueling exams, all-nighters and iffy cafeteria food. Coming home for holiday break has its major perks: taking a real bath, eating food that your body can easily metabolize, reuniting with your family (read: basking as your mom smothers you in kisses and tells you how great you are) and, finally, having some privacy. Despite these perks, it’s completely normal to go a little stir crazy when you’re there. Here, some Savvy Misses provide us with tips on how to deal with the family and make the most of your vacation time.

Remember that you own an iPod.
Lauren, a Pace University communications major, shares this valuable tip. “Sometimes putting on music is the best way to put the home stress on mute.” Even if you don’t own an iPod, don’t be shy about holing away in your room for forty minutes to an hour (if your parents haven’t turned it into a mini-gym).

Do NOT come home wasted.
Your roommate probably doesn’t care if you stumble in at two in the morning after a night of drinking at the bar or at a party. Your mom probably does. Save your family the drama and either drink very sparingly, or don’t drink at all. And no, unlike at school, you probably shouldn’t stash your booze in your closet or drawers, just in case your mom decides to put away your laundry.