All semester you have been caught up in campus life but suddenly final exams are over and winter break has arrived. As everyone is hurriedly packing their belongings, you hear cheerful voices floating through the hallways wishing one another a happy holiday as your fellow students leave the dorm.
Isn't autonomy at college great? You waited for years to receive this level of freedom and now you finally had the ability to make most of your own decisions on a daily basis. While living away at school you've learned to abide by college rules, but also have enjoyed setting and living by your own guidelines.
After having a certain level of independence, it probably is somewhat of a culture shock to feel you've been reverted back to high school. Suddenly, that freedom you've enjoyed feels a bit stifled.
Spending the holidays at home can feel like a mixed bag. On one hand, you've really missed family and friends and are elated to see everyone. But on the other hand, it probably feels as if you've been invited to play a game of tug of war and you are the rope. You realize deep down your family is not trying to control you, but they are excited you're home and want to make the perfect holiday. Even knowing that fact, it's may still feel a little unsettling trying to figure out how to balance your family's wants with your own.
Despite what traditional holidays are perceived to be, traveling home for winter break can be a difficult adjustment. In order to avoid unpleasantness, unhappiness and misery for all, it is not a bad idea to set some "home" guidelines to live by, much like the ones you've established for yourself on campus.
Plan ahead: Ask your family about their plans and events ahead of time so you know what their intentions are. By knowing what's already happening once you get home, it gives you the chance to make some plans of your own. This way you can make some time to arrange to see some friends, but remember to let your family know your plans so they know not to "book" every minute of your day with other commitments. Additionally, consider letting everyone know the things you want to do while visiting home for the holidays. By setting a loosely structured schedule, you can easily make time for both friends and family.
Transportation: Coordinate transportation if you don't have your own car. This way you'll have a level of mobility and the freedom to get around town and you don't have to rely on or interrupt mom and dad to give you rides whenever you want to go out. (Although in the age of Lyft and Uber, this is less of a problem but could get costly).
Don't forget downtime: Factor in some downtime to unwind so you can go back to college after the break with charged batteries and a clear head. Making time to relax helps avoid the "holiday hangover".
The hustle and bustle of the holidays are meant to be enjoyable but sometimes ends up being full of stress. By talking with your family and sharing plans with one another, you can spend time with one and all without feeling as if you're being pulled in half.
Surviving the holidays at home doesn't have to be a drag. By taking a proactive approach, you can enjoy a combination of togetherness, relaxation and tradition over the holidays. Once this is established, going home won't seem so bad at all, but it will be the exciting and enjoyable time it is meant to be.
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| Image credit: Pixabay |
Heading home for the holidays
As you head off campus for a much-needed break, you bid everyone goodbye and call out to everyone you meet "see you after the New Year". Now that the excitement bug has bitten, you're happy to discover you're infected and caught up in the holiday spirit too. As you eagerly leave school grounds you have a warm and fuzzy feeling as you head off for your trip home for the holidays.Isn't autonomy at college great? You waited for years to receive this level of freedom and now you finally had the ability to make most of your own decisions on a daily basis. While living away at school you've learned to abide by college rules, but also have enjoyed setting and living by your own guidelines.
Keeping your independence
What do you do when you get home and find those warm and fuzzy illusions instantly shattered? While you have been basking in your independence at school, once you arrive home for the holidays it seems your family has already placed expectations and plans on the time you'll be home.After having a certain level of independence, it probably is somewhat of a culture shock to feel you've been reverted back to high school. Suddenly, that freedom you've enjoyed feels a bit stifled.
Spending the holidays at home can feel like a mixed bag. On one hand, you've really missed family and friends and are elated to see everyone. But on the other hand, it probably feels as if you've been invited to play a game of tug of war and you are the rope. You realize deep down your family is not trying to control you, but they are excited you're home and want to make the perfect holiday. Even knowing that fact, it's may still feel a little unsettling trying to figure out how to balance your family's wants with your own.
Despite what traditional holidays are perceived to be, traveling home for winter break can be a difficult adjustment. In order to avoid unpleasantness, unhappiness and misery for all, it is not a bad idea to set some "home" guidelines to live by, much like the ones you've established for yourself on campus.
Ways to avoid conflict at home
These are some of the ways you can try to avoid conflict during visits home:Plan ahead: Ask your family about their plans and events ahead of time so you know what their intentions are. By knowing what's already happening once you get home, it gives you the chance to make some plans of your own. This way you can make some time to arrange to see some friends, but remember to let your family know your plans so they know not to "book" every minute of your day with other commitments. Additionally, consider letting everyone know the things you want to do while visiting home for the holidays. By setting a loosely structured schedule, you can easily make time for both friends and family.
Transportation: Coordinate transportation if you don't have your own car. This way you'll have a level of mobility and the freedom to get around town and you don't have to rely on or interrupt mom and dad to give you rides whenever you want to go out. (Although in the age of Lyft and Uber, this is less of a problem but could get costly).
Don't forget downtime: Factor in some downtime to unwind so you can go back to college after the break with charged batteries and a clear head. Making time to relax helps avoid the "holiday hangover".
The hustle and bustle of the holidays are meant to be enjoyable but sometimes ends up being full of stress. By talking with your family and sharing plans with one another, you can spend time with one and all without feeling as if you're being pulled in half.
Surviving the holidays at home doesn't have to be a drag. By taking a proactive approach, you can enjoy a combination of togetherness, relaxation and tradition over the holidays. Once this is established, going home won't seem so bad at all, but it will be the exciting and enjoyable time it is meant to be.
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