The longer we are away at college, the harder it is to transition back to life at home, and the pressure is on during the holidays. Not only is your immediate family around a lot more, but you have aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, family friends, second-cousins, step-grandparents – throw in a few awkward boyfriends-meeting-the-family-for-the-first-times and we have a party. First of all, I love my family, but it is already weird going back to seeing them full-time again. Once you add everybody else, the only thing I can recommend is lots of wine or spiked eggnog if you are into holiday-themed drinks. Second, my cheeks hurt so bad after fake-laughing at my grandmother's cousin's lame jokes that I am not sure that I can get through Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years with these people. But, I survive every year, and this year will be no different. Maybe we can add a few more wine-nights with that one cool aunt who partied too hard in college who everyone seems to have.
First stop is Thanksgiving. This is a warm-up for the rest of the holiday season. Thanksgiving is my personal favorite because who doesn't like endless amounts of mashed potatoes and continuous different types of casseroles. Thanksgiving is not as stressful because we have to go back to school on Monday, and this is the prime time for everyone to get their questions out of the way. For example, "How do you like college?" "How are classes going?" "What do you plan on doing after you graduate?" and the most dreaded question: "Do you have a boyfriend yet?" And when you undoubtedly answer "no" without skipping a beat, the follow-up response, "Well, that's just a shame for such a nice, pretty girl like you!" Thank you, kind person whom I am related to, I appreciate the fact that you think I am pretty and cool enough to have a boyfriend. Now, if you would kindly inform the boys on my campus of this information, that would be great, please and thank you. Excuse me while I shove this stuffing in my face. I am not sure whether I hate the questions about my future or my love life more. For the record, I ate pop-tarts for dinner last night, and went a whole day with only one earring in this week, so no, I do not know what I am going to do tomorrow, let alone after graduation. But thanks for the concern, and I am happy to know that I am still acting like I have my life together, at least on the outside.
Christmas. Possibly the best and most stressful time of the year. There is snow on the ground, joy in the air and your family in your ear with a full schedule they have planned for you over break. If your family is anything like mine, since the first day you got back, it has been non stop "meet and greets" with different parts of the family, holiday events and celebratory dinners. I love the food, the decorations and the overall cheerfulness, but who knew the season of giving could be so expensive. I thought my bank account couldn't get any lower, but miracles do happen. It just got lower, and this holiday season is the reason. Between outfits for all those Christmas parties and gifts for all your friends and family, it's cutting really close. The only thing getting us through the financial stress is the little flicker of light at the end of the tunnel, which is tax refunds are coming soon. Stay hopeful. And thanks mom, dad and other relatives for giving me money for Christmas this year. I don't think you know how much I truly appreciate the cash. It is the gift of love, and I promise to not spend it on things I shouldn't this year.
The holiday season brings about a lot of different emotions, but it really is the best time of the year. It is the time you get to reconnect with that one cousin you grew up with, talk about all of the stupid things you and your brother used to pull off and reminisce about how life used to function when everyone still lived in the same house. So enjoy it – no matter how many questions you get about your life – because those people honestly want to know how you are doing. And don't forget to enjoy New Years Eve. Get all types of messed up with your old friends from high school because NYE is the light at the end of this green and red glittered tunnel.
