If there’s one thing to be excited for about the holiday season, it is all the time to spend with family. I know the person I am most excited to see is my brother! Having a long-distance sibling can make the holidays so much more joyful, so here is the typical rundown of being reunited with your sibling who you haven’t seen in a while.
1. You hug each other and jump for joy.
The build-up to this moment seems to take years, but it is so amazing once you finally see each other. It’s like one of those military homecoming videos. This hug can last for about 10 minutes and is usually followed by over-lapping chatter about how much you’ve both changed since you last saw each other.
2. You catch up (duh).
Sure, you try to keep up as much as you can while separated, but some conversations and stories are meant to be experienced when you can see their reaction. Telling the story of that crazy professor who made you question your existence or how great your new job is can be made so much better when you can witness the reaction of your sibling. It’s also nice to save stories for when you know you have time and can make your story as dramatic as possible.
3. You go on adventures.
You need to make up for all the lost time you’ve both missed! This means mini-golfing and bowling almost every day or late-night food runs. The amount of jokes and memories that come from these nights spent with your sibling are endless, and you can’t wait to continue with your antics when you are reunited again! Whatever your tradition is with your sibling, these are the moments you will cherish when you are separated again.
4. You explore your hometown
You both haven't had the opportunity to see what's new in your hometown. Maybe a new Wawa was built or they tore down an old house on your street. You and your sibling obviously need to explore and see what has changed since you were last together.
5. You gossip about life at home
Sometimes you forget what it's like at home when your entire family is reunited. You forget how crazy Mom can be or how reprimanding Dad can be. You love them, but it's nice to have someone to vent to when Mom makes you do chores for her or someone to save your back when Dad catches you sneaking in late.
6. You do "mundane chores"
You have been driving Mom nuts since you've been reunited, and you're still trying to spend all the time you can together. So why not run some errands for Mom? She's making you do her errands anyway, so why not have a friend? Only you and your sibling can manage to make a trip to the grocery store or washing the car exciting and a fun task.
7. You ask for advice.
Your sibling is the best person to go to for advice, and you have to take advantage of their time while you can. If you need tips on how to survive work or school or how to fix your friendship problems, you can bet your sibling has the answers and is praying you have some solutions for them too!
8. You reminisce on “the simpler times.”
Whether you sit around a fire one night to chat or bust out the home videos, memories from the past always seem to be brought up when the family is back together. The inside jokes and experiences come flooding back, and it makes these moments the highlight of your break.
9. You pack up their stuff.
Your sibling can’t stay forever. It’s sad, but you make the best out of this time together. Folding clothes and stuffing things in a suitcase can be made into a fun game when you’re with your sibling.
10. You take them back home.
This is one of the hardest things ever. It makes it even more difficult if you had a great reunion. Just remember this is temporary! Taking them home doesn't have to be a sad time. Just pretend it's another one of your adventures
11. You part ways…
Goodbyes are never easy, and it’s tough not knowing when you’ll see your sibling again. Don’t worry! You guys will never grow apart, and you most likely planned your next visit while home for the holidays.
Your time together with your sibling may go in a flash, but each visit makes you realize how close you both really are. Take in every moment and make memories that you will both be able to reminisce on when you’re reunited for your own future holidays!
