As the holiday season nears, students said they find themselves concerned about balancing the chaos of finals, getting into classes and work rather than planning winter vacations.

Some students interviewed at Cosumnes River College said working retail during the holiday season can be a burden while studying for finals.

“Sometimes they keep me longer at work than I have to be,” said a 22-year old business major Daniel Jones. “So that cuts down on my study time, and they’ll try to schedule you in during a final. It can be a huge headache.”

There are some employers who are a little more understanding.

Brittany Simpson, a 27-year-old science major, said her boss is very flexible with her hours during finals week.

“My boss won’t let me miss work completely, but if I need to come in later for a final she’ll let me do it,” Simpson said.

However, some students said their holidays will not be affected by stress over finals.

John Hong, a 19-year-old undecided major, said studying for finals did not interfere with his plans for the holiday break, as “it ends before Christmas.”

Aside from working, students also said they worry about paying for classes and buying their Christmas presents around the same time.

“That’s always the worst. The school keeps increasing the tuition prices and I have a pretty big family to buy presents for,” said Simpson. “I know I don’t have to buy gifts but it just feels weird going empty-handed.”

Some students said they feel school holds a higher priority over gifts, and focus solely on paying for classes.

“School is my main priority so I don’t bother with presents,” said 19-year-old undecided major, Chelsea Berry. “Luckily for me my family understands that it’s a tough time to be a college student right now.”

Although the race to enroll in the upcoming spring semester and passing finals is on many students’ minds, many said they are anticipating spending time with their families.

Some students said they will be commuting to celebrate the holidays with family, such as 17-year-old Stephanie Arredondo, an undeclared major, who said she and her family drive to Los Angeles to exchange presents with her cousins.

Tricia Tecson, a 20-year-old communications major, said she celebrates by visiting her relatives.

“I go to my family’s house in the bay area, have a potluck and sing karaoke,” Tecson said.