There was once a time when the holidays consisted of decorating cookies and making wish lists. Now things are a little more complicated. Between making your flight and catching up with relatives you didn’t know you had, the holidays can be difficult. These holiday movies perfectly describe the struggle of going home for the holidays.
Traveling
Whether you have to catch a flight or find a ride, holiday travel plans will never go perfectly. Brace yourself for flat tires, layovers and awkward conversations with people you hardly know. But hey, a car ride home is exactly what How Harry Met Sally started with, so who knows, that jerk could be your future Bae!
What to Wear
Sadly, unlike college parties, crop tops and booty shorts aren’t exactly holiday party attire (even if they are paired with tights and your go-to heels). Hopefully you remembered that your parents love to drag you to their fancy dinner parties and you packed a decent outfit. Because if you didn’t, you either have to raid your younger sister’s closet, or brave the mall.
Old Friends
While you are being dragged to these parties, it is inevitable that you will run into people you joyfully thought you would never see again. Sadly, your moms are still best friends. It’s even worse if that person happens to be an ex. So prepare for awkward, tense small talk.
Relatives
Before college, you may not have noticed Uncle Jerry’s casually sexist jokes or Grandma’s racist comments because you were too busy snooping around for hidden presents (Although, be honest, you still do that). But now that you are expected to join in with the adult conversation it’s unavoidable. Just pour yourself some more eggnog and try to not start a horrifying political conversation.
Too Much Food
As a college student, you have probably been living off the meal plan or your small budget. This means that the first thing you do when you get home is eat. And you don’t stop. Which is awesome. Until you slip into a food coma and realize you have gained ten pounds.
Last Minute Gifts
Your schedule is so busy and your budget is so small that you inevitably put off shopping for presents. This means that you have to raid the stores with the other last minute shoppers. Chaos is inevitable.
Christmas Music
Even if you love Christmas music, that one song you hate is played over and over on EVERY station. If you hear the Christmas Shoes or Frosty the Snowman one more time, you may punch someone.
But whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, or nothing at all, the break will be worth it. You get to sleep in, even when it’s not a Sunday. Christmas cookies and mashed potatoes are an acceptable meal. And you are surrounded by people you love and who love you back. And that’s really what it’s all about.