Going home for the holidays isn’t always easy, but it is possible to make the most of them
Coming home for winter break can be an exciting and stressful time. On one hand, you might be excited to see your friends and family, but on the other hand you might be going back to the structured household that you once lived in, after you just spent the past four months with total freedom. In cases where there’s so many people under one roof, tensions can get high and a sense of self can be forgotten.
The truth is, the holidays aren’t always cheery and fun, especially when you are in college. No matter how long it has been, usually going back home makes you feel like you never left. That can be a nice feeling for some, but for others it is a reminder of the person you were before you got to college. Going back home, you have to remind yourself that you are an adult and deserve to be treated as such. That doesn’t mean completely disregarding your family and their expectations when you come home, but instead, you might want to try to establish an understanding that even though you are staying in your childhood bed doesn’t mean you are that same child. If you have younger siblings still at home, try to take some time and do something just the two of you; this not only shows how much you’ve grown from that consistent sibling rivalry, but it helps create lasting and meaningful relationships with your siblings. Similarly, be sure you take the time and show your appreciation for everything your parents have done to prepare you for your independence. These holiday seasons aren’t any easier on them than it is on you. Cleaning up after yourself or helping cook dinner are just small things you can do to show them that you care.
Now that you are home, be sure to check on your hometown friends and make plans to do something simple. It not only allows both of you to get away from all the family holiday craziness, but it lets you check up on one another and catch up. You don’t always have to be best friends but a coffee date or a picnic could be a nice break from everything else in your world. Just remember you only have these moments for just a short time, so make the most of it, because in a month you will be right back to your fun and crazy college years.