You might see people zipping from store to store either trying to get that Black Friday deal and land that new tech toy that’s unaffordable otherwise or trying to get the perfect gift for that person who is just impossible to shop for. This frantic scene, of course, unfolds in a bright winter wonderland set up in a mall that blares agonizing Christmas music with no end to its torturously happy melodies in sight. While you watch on, you are probably starting to wonder how the holidays are meant to be a time of joy and reflection. Well, believe it or not, it really is the best time of the year if you know where to look.

We get it – there’s a lot going on at school no matter what grade you’re in. There’s a difficult balance between the mountain of school work that is being shoveled your way on a daily basis, the ever-complicated social life that you are trying to manage like a full-time job, and everything in between. With all of these wolves at the door, isn’t it important to take a break and put everything into perspective? To think about what you have, the things you were able to do this year, the things you will be able to do next year and the year after that – even a few years down the line. It is also important for a number of other reasons, let us show you the meaning of Christmas:

Winding down is good for your health

It really is! According to a report by the National Institute of Mental Health, long-term “chronic stress” (meaning stress that is constant and severe and doesn’t seem to want to go away any time soon) can cause issues down the line that affect your immune system (the parts of your blood that protect your body from illnesses and disease as well as being the part of the body that fights them away), your digestive system, your sleep patterns, and reproductive system. Stress can prevent the body from performing in tip-top shape. Christmas, after all the preparation is over with, can give you that rest that you need.

Take a break from school – really, you’re allowed!

While it’s important to study, it’s doubly important to take a break from all of it and focus on something else for a while. Your exams aren’t going anywhere and as long as you know the subject matter, so why are you stressing out over them during the one time you’re allowed to kick back and do literally anything else?

It’s important to make memories

You’ll regret it if you make school your life, you also need to carve time out of your busy school year to kick back and relax. Hanging out with your parents, siblings, and friends will make memories to last a lifetime (we know how corny it sounds, but it’s a popular saying for a reason). Having a stress-free holiday is one of the best and most important things you can do for yourself and the people you love!