It's the most wonderful time of the year. I know, this line is super corny, but it's so true. Almost everyone I know can't wait for the holiday season. From long breaks and seasonal drinks from Starbucks to spending time with family, this time of the year makes people excited.
Once exams end, it's easy to become lazy and just take the month off. However, there are as many chances to learn things at home as there are at school. Holiday traditions are extremely popular, but some are difficult to carry-out. Here are 3 difficult holiday traditions college students should learn to carry-out before they start their own families.
1. How to cook a turkey.
Could you get away with never cooking a turkey in your life? The answer is yes. There is a good chance another family member will cook the turkey while you bring a side dish. You could also cook a chicken or buy a Honey Baked Ham instead, but in case you are hoping to be known as the cook of the family, now is the time to learn. During Thanksgiving, watch your mom, dad or family member prepare and cook the turkey. Maybe you could even make it with him or her. It is a lot easier to learn something hands on rather than calling at the last minute to make sure you are doing everything properly.
2. How to decorate the outside of the house with lights.
Not everyone decorates the house for Christmas. Some people even pay others to put up the lights for them. This option may be safer and easier, but if you are anything like me, you are a perfectionist and you enjoy decorating your own house. After watching my dad decorate our house for all these years, I now wonder how I am going to decorate my own house one day without him. He climbs onto the roof every year and hangs lights from the gutters, and he has to find a way to plug all the lights in without them short-circuiting. If you want to decorate your own house someday and you are still are confused on how to accomplish that goal, work with the family member who decorates your house now. Not only will you learn something new, but it's also a great opportunity for some family bonding.
3. How to compromise.
When thinking about holiday traditions, compromise may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, learning to compromise is very important, especially when you start your own family. If you ever marry, you will have to compromise with your spouse. When will you visit his or her parents? When will you visit your parents? Many fights can be avoided by talking about this beforehand and being willing to compromise. The best way to do this is to look at how your parents split time. Is there a set time on Christmas day that you visit each set of grandparents? Do you alternate years? Does that system work for your family or does it cause tension during this time of year? The answers to these questions will help you develop a game plan for when you start your own family and find yourself having to split time.
