Tips For Traveling Home For The Holidays

Make Your Plans In Advance 

When going home for the holidays, you probably have a lot of different people to see. In order to get in everyone you want to visit with and everything you want to accomplish, try to plan your days ahead of time. But be sure not to overwhelm yourself, and manage your time accordingly!

Set Aside Differences with Family

Get mentally prepared for perhaps those select family members or relatives that inevitably push your buttons. Decide how you are going to respond positively, try to stay neutral, and avoid subjects of conversation that everyone knows will result in disagreement. Holidays are opportunities to rise above the trivial, negative differences or squabbles you may have other times of the year. Focus on the positive things and mutual bonds that keep you together, by spending quality time and sharing love, despite differences you may have. 

Make Travel Plans in Advance

Avoid making last-minute travel preparations, as those can easily create stressful helter-skelter situations. Booking flights in advance is also financially advisable because those prices get steep. Plus, your loved ones back at home may just like to know ahead of your arrival so that they can plan accordingly, whether it is figuring out who will pick you up from the airport, coordinating with friends who are also in town for just a few days, or Mom wanting to make your favorite meal. 

Get Gifts in Advance

If you are celebrating any birthdays or needing to buy holiday gifts, it would be hugely beneficial to purchase these presents ahead of time. We all have been there—the holidays are days away and you still haven’t done your shopping, so stress levels skyrocket, taking your mental energy away from your loved ones. Save yourself the last-minute shopping haul, and buy ahead of time! If possible, have it delivered to the address you’ll be staying at, so that you don’t have to cram it in your suitcase.

Bring a Piece of Home with You

Bring a self-care item with you to remind yourself to chill out. Maybe it’s a journal, a book, your entire skincare routine, or whatever it is that you would normally have with you on a daily basis that smooths out your daily routine and keeps you balanced.

Make a Checklist of your Goals and Priorities for This Visit

Writing down ahead of time your priorities and intentions for this holiday visit back home could keep you mentally organized. It may help to think and plan intentionally; prioritize what is important to you as opposed to getting caught up in drama or hastily-planned events that you truthfully don’t even want to go to. Keep in mind what is actually important to you this holiday season!

Treat Yourself (and Your Loved Ones) at Home

Sometimes, we need a reminder that coming home for the holidays should be fun, so gather your loved ones for a relaxing activity. Maybe instead of planning a huge get-together and entertaining a crowd—which can be very draining—ask if they want to have a self-care afternoon or evening, instead. Go to the movies, go ice-skating, get manicures, or some activity where the pressure is off and everyone can unwind. That little positive relaxation can help maintain everyone’s sanity and transfer over to the rest of your stay.

Keep Your Daily Routine for Mental Health

If there is something that you always do during your normal day to maintain stability and upkeep mental health, you do just that when you are visiting for the holidays. It could be your 30 minutes of yoga in the morning, or maybe taking the time to check your work email.

Maintaining a few of the cornerstones of your daily life can really aid in keeping you relaxed and ready for whatever holiday adventures or vexations are headed your way. It is most likely impossible to maintain your entire normal schedule, but don’t abandon the healthy habits that are necessary for your peace of mind! 

Leave Time for Yourself

When you are finally home, take the time to visit one of your old favorite coffee shops or former haunts on your own, to get some valuable me-time in. Time alone is pretty crucial, especially if you’re introverted, and leave some room in the schedule to do a little bit of nothing at all, or something that is personally special to you about being home.

Develop and stick to a Budget

Holidays get pricey, quickly. Going out to eat, buying gifts, treating your friends and family...it can add up quickly and after your visit, you don’t want that eye-pop and “Sh**!” reaction when you take a look at the damage to your savings. Set aside your budget before your arrival and resolve to keep to it!

Don’t Ignore Your Own Feelings This Holiday Trip

Going home for the holidays can be stressful if there are stressful relatives involved. While it is common to say, “It is just a few days; I can handle it,” maybe consider approaching or handling the situation differently this year if you find that there is always a recurring negative outcome. Maybe an honest discussion with the troubled family member would be warranted; maybe address a negative situation instead of avoiding it; it is up to your judgement, but trying something different may not hurt this year!

Conclusion

To wrap things up (pun intended), remember that holidays are special opportunities to enjoy life, time with loved ones, and life’s blessings!