As a high school senior, the holiday season can be amazing and filled with memories with family and friends. But because you are preparing to graduate high school and head to college or other pursuits, it can add a sense of pressure to cram a ton into the holiday break. It’s understandable that all of senior year can be an opportunity to make memories, but there are steps you can take to reduce your anxiety and make the most of your senior holiday season:
-Be upfront with boundaries: If you are a senior who is heading to college or moving out for other reasons, it’s going to be important to hold boundaries about your schedule and your time. Those boundaries start with honest conversations. Sit down with your parents or guardians and ask them what their expectations are for the holidays and the occasions they’d like you to be at. Find out what things you can compromise on, and which things are important to them. Find ways to see friends or go to other events while still honoring family commitments, and speak up (respectfully) while you figure out how to be independent too…it’s a skill you’ll use forever. Having the conversations early on helps ensure less hurt feelings or last minute misunderstandings.
-Be fiscally responsible: It’s tempting to want to overspend during the holidays for all sorts of reasons, but senior year can make it feel heightened. The reality is that it’s important to save money as you head into graduation season, because there are many unexpected expenses that pop up. Make a budget and be honest about what you can spend, and make a plan for non-monetary gifts for friends and family when you need to (such as babysitting or housesitting,etc.
-Make time for rest: It’s a really busy time of your life during senior year and it can get pretty hectic. The thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are a good time for you to actually rest your body/mind and even unplug from social media or online activity. Schedule in some rest if you need to, and do things that are good for your mental health, like napping, walking, enjoying good food, and reading. You will thank yourself when the hectic nature of senior year picks back up after the holidays.
-Live with gratitude: Remember to soak up the moments you have with family and friends over the holiday weeks, because for some students, it really is the last time of being home with all the people you love. As you set off into adulthood and college, sometimes holidays end up taking people in different parts of the country or not being able to come home for thanksgiving or Christmas. Enjoy the time you are given, and remember to thank your parents and family for helping create the memories you are going to cherish.
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