Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
placeholder article
placeholder article

How to Impress his Family during the Holidays

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UIC chapter.

We have a lot of stressors during the holidays. Presents, decorations, and extra weight are some of the many problems we face around the holiday season. Above all, impressing your boyfriend’s family can be the most nerve-racking. Here are some ways to amaze his parents and make them want you to come back next year.

 

Bring Something Special

Find a gift that is budget friendly yet meaningful for his entire family. That way every person feels included. Crafts and baking are popular ideas that are heartfelt. Look on Pinterest and pick out the gifts that you think they would love. If his mom has a knack for decorating, make ornaments or table decorations. If dad is always cooking fill a jar with pancake mix or cocoa and add a special note. Don’t forget the siblings and create festive goody bags.

Don’t Forget Your Manners

Always make sure you welcome everyone as soon as you see them. Say hello to each person. If his family has traditions get involved and have fun with them. Talk to your boyfriend about what to wear so you can be dressed to fit in with them without compromising your style. Ask if you can help with food and setting the table. If you have any allergies or restrictions, tell them in advanced. Never bring up controversial conversations at the dinner table, even if you think it will make you sound interesting. Make sure you always clean up after yourself. It’s pretty simple, but his family will defiantly take note at how polite you are.

Show interest

Ask his mom about her favorite memories from past holidays. She will love to share them with you, especially ones about your boyfriend as a child. If they play certain games or partake in special traditions ask how it all started. The more interest you show in his family the more they will open up to you and want to get to know you. You will show them that you really care about what they have to say.

Above all, don’t act fake or try too hard. Strike a balance between how you act at home and with his family. Everyone can tell if someone isn’t being themselves. If you want to be with him in the long run, his family needs to know the true you. Just show them how much you value them and you will be sure to be getting invites for many years to come.

 

 

I am Francesca Dreesen. I am currently living in Chicago Illinois and attend UIC. Communications is my major and I aspire to work in publications some day. I love to be creative, read, design, write and travel. I love being in urban places.
Claudia was born in Mexico and moved to Chicago at the age of 8. She is currently attending the University of Illinois at Chicago as a Marketing major. She is really excited to be a part of the HerCampus team and is ready to make HC grow at UIC. She can’t go a day without exercising and especially enjoys Zumba! She loves fashion and reads blogs every day, that’s where she gets her inspiration when she dresses, and hopes to one day have her own! Claudia is currently a representative for AKIRA Chicago, for discount codes contact her at (cmarti74@uic.edu). She strives to be a better person every day, and is really thankful for everything she has. One of Claudia’s favorite quotes is “Enjoy all that you have while you pursue everything that you want”.