Surviving Big Family Holidays | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Surviving Big Family Holidays

"Time spent with family is worth every second." -Anonymous

9
Surviving Big Family Holidays

Holidays are always a stressful and joyful time of the year for everyone, and when you are coming home to many relatives, you can get caught up in the negativity that comes along with it. However, there are many blessings that can come from spending the holiday season with a big family. Here are some solutions to your big family holiday negativities.

It seems like every time your family gets together there is another new face that pops up, meaning another new name to remember. This can be a huge struggle. How are you supposed to remember who your grandma’s sister’s daughter was engaged to this summer? But having a huge family just means more little baby cousins to play with and twice the stories to hear at the dinner table! This definitely means more laughs and more smiles. So, this year, make it a game between you and your siblings to see who can remember the names of the most relatives. 

It can be overwhelming when family members constantly ask about your life. To wit:

  • “Who was that boy in your picture?” 
  • “What are you majoring in?" 
  • “What do you plan to do with your life?” 

This can get to be too much when you don’t even know the answers yourself. But your family cares about you. They ask because they are interested in what you have been doing and how you are doing. They want to be proud of you for all your ups and downs, accomplishments and failures. So when you feel bombarded this holiday, don’t forget that sometimes a Facebook or Instagram update every once in a while isn’t enough for your family.  

Generally, if a big family gets together during the holidays, they tend to all stay in one or two houses. What does this mean? Sickness -- lots of it. When one person gets the flu, everyone gets the flu; no one is safe. Of course, no one likes to get sick, but staying in a full house can also bring a family together. There is always someone there to play cards with, or to talk to, and it is guaranteed that at least one person in the house will want to start up a game of basketball or whiffle ball.  

A big family also means more presents to buy. No one wants to feel left out, so when you want to get one sibling something special, you must get everyone a gift. A bigger family definitely means more presents from more people, but it also means there is an opportunity to make present giving fun! Instead of giving generic items, agree to give each other inexpensive ones that are useful or funny. My family always stocks the tree with crazy items like luffas and bars of soap because they are inexpensive, but we also know the receiver will use it.

It always feels chaotic and busy in the house with everyone doing something different and everyone planning activities to keep the little ones entertained. Look at this as an opportunity to be active throughout the holiday, a chance to burn off those extra calories from the apple pie the night before, or the scrumptious cinnamon roll you indulged in that morning. Just because your family is go-go-go throughout the break, doesn’t mean you have to be, too. Your family will understand that you need a break and want to stay home to relax during some of the scheduled plans. 

Big family holidays can be chaotic, busy, and overwhelming, but you will never be bored, and something memorable always happens. We all know college can be extremely stressful, so don’t let your break turn out that way. The holidays are all about making memories and cherishing the time you spend with loved ones. Don’t let the chaos in the house intimidate you and hold you back from having a wonderful holiday season!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

87013
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

11874
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

12243
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments