Not everyone has an ideal situation waiting for them over winter break, and because of this, winter break can in fact be incredibly stressful for many students. This could look like many things: an unloving home, a loss of independence, painfully sad nostalgia, anxiety, etc. Here at Bluestocking, we hear you and we see you. You deserve a break too after all the work you’ve put in over the semester, but you also deserve a laugh. Here’s a guide, with funny not so serious moments, on how to make your break more of the break you deserve.
Prepare for a loss of routine
Unfortunately, prepare to reset all expectations for what your day will look like. Here on campus, you are able to set up a routine for yourself and follow accordingly. This can look like going to the gym, seeing your beloved friends, or eating at certain times. However, winter break might look different. Families might expect your time when you do not want to give it, and you might not be in a family situation where you feel comfortable saying no. Do not fret. Communicate arrival times, commitments, and boundaries early. Express gratitude for the love being shown, but explain how stressed out you’ve been and how needed this break is for you. Because that’s what this is supposed to be: a break. Afterall, I’m sure you haven’t stopped thinking about sleeping in for a week straight since midterms.
Managing Family Dynamics Pre-Meltdown
This step comes as a multitude of mini-steps.
One, prepare answers that will come through interrogation from your favorite aunt or grandmother. This might include, but is certainly not limited to, themes such as grades, your major, career plans, or dating life. These are always a not-so-fun situation, but you are not being forced into seriousness. Have you gotten a C in your course because you didn’t like waking up for it, or is it because “the professor was jealous of your jazzy outfits?” Are you single because you don’t talk to attractive people out of fear, or have you “not been able to find someone with the same infatuation for Greek food?” What I have learned is that the more you have fun with these questions, the less pressure you feel to impress.
Two, navigate your sibling relationships.
Did they steal your room and your desk? Yes. But they’ve also taken your posters and signed Taylor Swift albums. Remember to nicely talk to them like an adult and tell them theft is a crime the police do not take nicely.
Three, discuss boundaries with your parents beforehand.
To retain the most autonomy, discuss with your parents what they expect of you. Do they want you to do the dishes? Take the trash out? Expect to screw in a lot of lightbulbs for grandma if you’re above six feet tall. Ask your parents about sleep schedules, visiting friends, and alone time. Tell them what you think you’d enjoy the most, and be willing to compromise. You’re an adult now. You’re basically middle aged.
