I have always been a huge Thanksgiving and Christmas fan, like the majority of people in America. Now I'm 25, and every year it seems to mean a little something different. I still love the holidays, but it definitely has its ups and downs.
Being broke. Naturally, I can't afford Christmas presents for anyone. I'm searching for a full-time gig I can use my degree with, all the while waiting tables. I've got pounds of bills, so Christmas is the last thing on my mind.
The Upside: Family is always understanding when you're going through tough times. No one is going to be upset or hold a grudge if you can't give them a present. Besides, to me, it is more about being around of all my family, rather than getting gifts and I'm sure they feel the same way.
Not living up to your relative's expectations. As I said, I'm 25, and I'm a waitress. After graduating last year, I went on a six-month road trip, came back and went on the job hunt. So it's been a year of Indeed.com and interviews and little success.
The Upside: Everyone knows that I'm trying best and that I will succeed soon. We are all humans, and as a family, we are meant to bring each other up, and they always do.
Weight Gain. Food, food, food. It is really hard not to indulge in the cookies and mashed potatoes…and wine. There is no escaping the five pound gain after Christmas. I eat pretty healthily during the year then I end up eating so many different things, and end up feeling sick at one point or another.
The Upside: All of the food is so darn good, and it's only one time a year, so why not indulge! It's not too hard to get rid of those few pounds, just have to get back to eating healthy and working out.
Family arguments. It may be your parents, aunt, and uncle, or you and a sibling, there is bound to be a least one argument. The holidays can be pretty stressful, having to spend money, travel, and so on.
The Upside: As I said, it's usually just one little argument, which is nothing compared to the general happiness of the holidays.
Overall, the Holidays are Awesome. Being together with all of your family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, siblings, loved ones… what's better than that? It's the one time of year you can see everyone, catch up, feast together, and do fun things. Everyone is happy and joyous, you can't beat it.
