Dealing with being home for the holidays
You love your family. Of course you do. But when you’ve been out of the house and far away for a while, coming home to visit over the festive season can get a bit much. It’s not that you don’t enjoy spending time with your folks, siblings and distant relatives. It’s just that you’re used to living your life, well, your way. And now you’re under their roof again (for a short while anyway).
So, how do you deal with being home for the holidays? Here are a few suggestions…
Bring gifts – People like gifts and if you want to get in your family’s good graces from the get go, it’s best you come armed with some presents. You don’t have to go all out, but it’ll only take a moment at the airport to stop and pick up some duty free perfume for your mum.
Help out – You’re an adult now and it’s not your family’s job to look after you. So, clean up after yourself and take out the trash once in a while. And don’t just clear up your mess. Make an effort to help with things like doing the dishes or unpacking the dishwasher. It’ll go a long way to proving that you’re a fully grown adult and they need to respect that.
Cook them dinner – Seriously, just go ahead and cook your family dinner. With all the people in the house your poor parents are probably going out of their way to make sure that everyone is fed and happy. The least you can do is make your signature dish (and clean up afterwards). They’ll seriously appreciate the help. There are so many simple meals you can cook for many people. And if you can’t cook don’t despair, you could always just pick up some takeout.
Thank your folks – Let your family know that you’re grateful for all they’ve done over the festive season. If you were visiting friends you’d throw around “thank yous” like they’re going out of fashion. So, why not do the same with your family? Pick up some flowers or wine and write them a note when you leave. It’s just common decency.
Avoid bickering – Siblings fight. Anyone with a brother or sister knows this. Just avoid getting into arguments with them for the holiday period. You haven’t seen them in a while and you love them. Remember that every time they do something to annoy the hell out of you. When things get tense, crack a joke or leave the room. It’s just better that way.
Going home for the holidays can get a bit much. Once you enter your parents’ house – no matter how self-sufficient you are – you just start feeling like a kid again.