It’s that time of year again. You pack your bags and fly, or road trip, to your home town. Your dad welcomes you with open arms as your mom greets you from the kitchen. You can smell the roasted, sugared pecans with that sweet, slightly burnt smell and your mouth waters. Your hand is slapped from the dish but you’re forgiven after a kiss hello to your mom’s cheek. You’re ushered into the living room and that’s when you realize that some relatives have already arrived and guess what, they’re staying in the guest bedroom! Or maybe they’re staying in your room! This was a family surprise you were not prepared for. So what now?
Ban touchy topics such as politics. Plenty of families discussed and have decided to not talk about politics during the holidays to make sure everyone has a good time. It’s not necessarily because people have different views, it’s simply to avoid frustration, anger, or sadness.
Turn the conversation around. You know your family is going to ask about school, partners, and jobs. Plan what you’re going to say. Instead of saying, “School’s good. I don’t have a partner. My job is fine,” respond with a question, “What was school like when you were in college? What was dating like back then? How did you find your current job?” Turning the questions around on them might be a fun way to surprise your relatives, spice up the conversation, and avoid answering any questions you don’t want to.
Come up with something new. If you usually end up cornered to answer a question,script your conversation. Even if it’s one simple idea, if it’s new, your family will latch onto it. For example, instead of simply saying, “School is good,” say, “I have a really cool teacher that [does this and that.]” And if you babble on long enough, they’ll get bored and won’t bring up the topic any time soon.
Bring a gift. If anything puts family members in a good mood, it’s presents. Bring a new dish for the table or bring a pretty vase for the house, then tell the host thank you for a great Thanksgiving. SOf course sometimes these things aren’t appropriate depending on the household and your traditions. Just feel out the atmosphere and when in doubt, ask your parents.
Pack light but bring a distraction. Honestly, sometimes you need a break simply because you don’t have a lot in common with your family, even if you all get along. So after staying in the common area long enough for polite conversation, go to the basement or guest bedroom and take out your homework. I guarantee you plenty of family members find that a viable excuse for taking time away from the family. Most understand college is difficult and time consuming.
If all else fails, spend time with the kids. Sometimes the best thing you can do is babysit. Kids are innocent and shouldn’t nag as much as the adults might. Sit with the youngest of the bunch and play legos or read them a story. Maybe set up A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and watch it with them. Then there’s no pressure to do anything but enjoy a classic.
And when the day is finally over, relax. Yawn a few times, give a few hints that you’re exhausted and full, then head to your room and collapse on the bed. Go to sleep early, watch Netflix, listen to music, read a book, do whatever you need to do to wind down. Remind yourself that tomorrow is Friday and soon enough you’ll be back in school, with your friends, and living on your own again.
For those of you who are staying on campus: Leave campus. Even if your friends are out of town, take some time to go for a walk by yourself and enjoy the weather. Knock on the doors down the hall and see what other students are doing while not with family. Take a look online, some restaurants might be open with a Thanksgiving special. There are options, so take the initiative to have a good time!
Have a fantastic Thanksgiving everyone! Share with us some of your favorite Thanksgiving traditions on our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!