The holidays are an amazing time of year. The semester is at its end and maybe you will finally have a chance to sleep in. There are holiday songs and decorations, and tons of food and family. As fun as the holidays can be, it can also be very stressful. So here is the college kid's survival guide to the holiday season:
If you're traveling home, then there are a few ways to make it less stressful. Making sure to have all of your travel plans figured out beforehand as well as packing lightly can make holiday travel a lot less stressful. If you're going to be traveling for a long time, packing snacks is a great way to keep from getting hangry. If you can arrive home less stressed and not so hangry, you're one step closer to happier holidays.
Shopping
Not everyone needs a present. Trying to stretch a college student's dollar can be hard, and as much as you want to show everyone how much you appreciate them, it's not always possible to buy everyone presents. That's okay. Spending all of your money on presents will only leave you broke and someone else marginally happier. Maybe they really did want that back massager, but they could've appreciated simply spending more time with you just as much.
Family
Holidays are generally about family, friends, and being thankful for the things you have in your life. Sometimes those things can be the most stressful. Try to make your expectations realistic this year. Even if your aunt makes her annual comment about your relationship status or your grandmother points out that you got a second piece of pie, just know that they mean well. Don't let your family stress you out -- you deserve that extra pie after that chem. final and no you don't need to get married right now. Just breathe.
Just say "No"
There are a million events going on during the holidays, you don't need to go to all of them. Maybe it means skipping the Christmas pageant, or saying no when every aunt, uncle, and grandparent ask you to help with decorations, but you aren't obligated to help everyone. If you have the time and you won't leave pulling your hair out, then definitely invest the time into helping out, but know that you don't need to do everything.
Make You Time
Remember to give yourself a break from the craziness that the holidays can bring and spend some time on yourself. You could use this as a chance to zone in on your spirituality by going to a synagogue, a mosque, a church, or your favorite place to meditate or pray. You could also use this as a chance to work out and burn off some of the holiday treats or give yourself the spa treatment. You could even just read a book, watch a movie, or play video games for a few hours.
Above all, it's just important to remember what the holidays are really about and not to get stressed out by all the little things. Hopefully this guide will get you through the holidays with your bank account, family, and mental stability still intact.
From one student to another, may the odds be ever in your favor.
