Surviving more than a few hours with family is not on the to do list of many college students, but with the holidays upon us, we need to determine how we are going to deal with family while retaining our sanity. We really see our nerves deteriorate when we answer the same question about our schooling for the umpteenth time or hear the same story of some family tradition that has since deteriorated. So how can we make it through the holidays and return back to school in January with some sanity left?
The answer is simple: prioritize. When you have a million different aunts, uncles and cousins all begging for you to spend time with them, you have to decide who is more important to you. Of course, parents and grandparents rank first on that list, and then you can decide who in your extended family should get personal visits. I know it sounds harsh, but if you canāt spend more than an hour at their house or somewhere else talking and catching up, then why do you really need to push yourself to make special time for that person? Iām not saying that you have to spend an hour, but be sure that, if you do have the opportunity, you can.
The next answer is to breathe. You have to take time for yourself amongst the chaos of shopping, visiting family and trying to work that part-time job back at home. The best remedy is to take one afternoon a week to just relax and do what you love whether it be hunting, driving, reading or whatever you may enjoy. This will allow you to take a step back, make sense of the chaos and regain a bit of mental power by letting the stress release.
Finally, just be you. If you enjoy spending all of your time with family, then go for it. However, once you make your decision, you will not be able to change it. The holidays only happen once a year, and January will be here before we realize that December is gone. So go out and take time with everyone that you care about, because you never know what the next year has to hold. Also, don’t forget those lifelong friends that have always helped you along the way.
The holidays don’t have to be stressful if you prioritize your time, but if your issue is money, then look no further than yourself. Everyone will understand if you are not able to get them a $20 dollar gift, and you may be surprised that they appreciate a hand made item or something that takes time to make versus an expensive item. The holidays are about family, love and happiness, not the gifts or money.
