It's better to be prepared than blindsided for days unending. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah or Christmas or are staunch atheists, even if your only gathering is for your little cousin’s school play, when family gets together, life gets a little messy. There are certain things we can all expect.
1. You'll arrive home, ready for a week of relaxation.
No more boxed mac&cheese or deli meat, here comes the good stuff!
2. You'll remember what the holidays are really all about.
Food. Food. Food. Food is number one. How else will we be prepared to hibernate through this winter?
3. You'll be forced to reconcile with your siblings.
The parental unit has still got the power.
4. Then, you and your siblings/cousins will really get into a groove.
5. Some traditions will never die.
6. Old pranks and habits will resurface.
7. Occasionally, it will be best to stay quiet.
8. You will remember, although it's a holiday, you still have so much work to do.
Sometimes your teachers and bosses just don't care that you're on vacation. But don't worry, if you take an hour out of your day to power through some work, you won't be alone.
9. You will overeat.
Go on morning runs! Set up a system with the others in your generation to keep moving and exercising this holiday season, but accept it now. There's going to be a delicious piece of dessert at every single meal. You are not going to turn down that second serving. You will regret stopping.
10. You will turn green with jealousy, at least once.
At some point, envy will befriend you. She is at her best over the holidays. Perhaps it'll be when your brother gets a "better" gift than you, or your sister gives your significant other a gift you really wish you'd thought of, or at the family dinners your cousins announce their engagements, pregnancies and promotions. Embrace it and move on. Everyone moves at their own pace, and everyone is dealing with their own struggles.
11. There will be someone with whom to commiserate.
12. You will slowly submerge beneath the understanding that the holiday season never ends.
Even if you survive Thanksgiving dinner, we still have Christmas and Hanukkah and New Years Eve and New Years and Christmas cards being delivered and church and plays and tea with the grandparents.
13. But now, at the very least, you will know what to expect.
14. The good times will come.
There's a lot to be thankful for this year, most especially the chance to laugh at yourself and your family.
