As Christians going home from college for the holidays, we all know we’re going to be at our home church for at least a few weeks. And that means a lot of reunions, which includes hugs, questions, and promises to get together. So here’s how to get through all of that:

Step 1: Smile!

No matter if they’re that annoying person from Sunday school that you’d rather never see again or they’re that choir person that you adore, smile when you see them. The holidays are about joy, so spread some joy by being generous with the smiling, even if it’s a little fake.

Step 2: Ask How They Are

They’re going to ask about you, but before you get ready to list all that awesome stuff you’ve been up to, make sure you ask about them. It’ll leave a positive impression and give them an opportunity to talk about all the awesome stuff they’ve been up to.

Step 3: Hugs

If you’re not opposed to physical affection, make sure you throw a hug in somewhere. No matter how you feel about the person, you don’t see them that often, so a hug will be appreciated.

Step 4: Don't Mention Politics

Unless you absolutely know the person’s political opinion and it aligns with yours, just let it go. The last thing you want to do is get in a brief argument during the ‘please greet those around you’ section of the service. It’s not worth it, especially this close to Christmas.

Step 5: Make The Accomplishment Speeches Short

I know I’m not good at this, but do your best to have a short list of semester highs ready. Tell them about that epic trip over Thanksgiving or how you got to see your favorite band, but leave out the A you got on your research paper (unless it was a real miracle). Otherwise, you’ll be talking forever.

Step 6: Suggest An Outside-Of-Church Meeting

You’ll be able to discuss a lot more with one another if you just hug, share the short list, and agree to get coffee some time than if you try to cram months’ worth of information into a five-minute hallway meeting on the way to Sunday school. Not to mention you may get a free lunch out of the deal. Or you can bless them by paying for dessert! It’ll be a great experience for both of you, trust me.

Step 7: Hug Them Again

Once January and the new semester hits, you probably won’t see them until March or possibly May, so just throw in another hug and move on to the next meeting, for which you can copy and paste this exact list.

Enjoy being at your home church! There’s really nothing like worshipping in the place you grew up in, so make sure you feel that good sense of nostalgia and take time to reflect on all God has brought you through before you march through the whole church with your list of necessary meet-and-greets.