Winter break is a time for relaxing, spending time with friends and family, and, for some, celebrating the holidays. However, there’s another part of break that tends to ruin the fun: the looming shadow of finals.

Every year, finals start a week or so after the holidays. With only one in-class day designated to reviewing for these exams, students are responsible for preparing themselves. Over break, students can choose one of two options: study ahead, or never pick up a book, packet, or pencil. Either option has its downside, which results in an unhappy and stressed out student.

If students dwell on exam preparation over break, there is no relaxation, and break just feels like a weeklong study hall. If students choose not to study, they are likely to forget recently taught material, adding to the list of topics they will then have a week to review and master.

In order to take exams before break, the school year would have to start earlier. Summer allows students a long, homework-free break, unlike any break during the school year. Giving up a week or so of summer to allow for real relaxation during the school year would benefit everyone. A week off in between semesters is more valuable than an extra week at the end of August.