Camille Pfister
Editor-in-Chief
As the students wrap up the semester and we all prepare to brave our families and homes for another holiday, here are some tips and reminders for how to survive a trip your family home and come out (mostly) unscathed.
Tip #1: Mental Health Comes First
This may seem obvious, but your mental and emotional health is first above familial obligation. There are small ways to take care of your mental health throughout the holiday: taking the family pet on walks, watching your favorite movie, baking your favorite holiday snack. Whatever brings you joy. Whether it’s with a friend, family, pet, or just you and some music, have some fun!
Tip #2: You CAN Change the Subject OR Leave the Room!
Often times when a family that doesn’t always agree on politics or other sensitive subjects gets together, things get tense. If you’re getting uncomfy, you can just ask to change the topic, and if that doesn’t work, just exit the room. A simple, “I can see y’all want to discuss this, but I don’t, so I will be in the living room until you’re done,” will suffice, or don’t say anything at all! That’s the
“beauty of being an adult with a credit card” (as TikToker c.m.alongi put it), you can, and sometimes should, bail.
Tip #3: Alone Time is Important
With the holidays there are often a lot of people– everywhere. And that can be emotionally draining. I don’t know about you, but I need my space. I don’t have a car, but I love walking around Target, drinking Starbucks, listening to music, buying more than I should, just being. So over the summer I asked my dad, on a day he had off, to drive me to Target, drop me off, and pick me up two hours later. It was glorious. Remember to save time for yourself. Holiday burnout is real. Target shopping may not be the best option given the present shopping insanity occurring right now, but find something you love, that’s just yours, and do it. Just be.
Tip #4: Boundaries Matter
This has been mostly already been stated in the previous tips, but in bars repeating: Boundaries. They matter. Like the boundary to do something alone, or change the subject, or leave a room. But there are also boundaries on how you want your holiday to go. Don’t leave people guessing, it’ll just leave you disappointed and angry. Set a boundary on how you want to celebrate: Christmas Day by yourself, Christmas Eve with the whole family, ect. Have healthy conversations and be open to changing expectations. And we hope you’ll have a very happy holiday.