With the holidays approaching, the vision of vacation-time is in sight. The time off sounds fun in theory: no school, downtime, and lots of food, right? But anyone who has lived through a few of these holidays knows the truth: it can be just as chaotic as it is relaxing. It can be a chaotic mix of family drama, overeating and, somehow, still doing homework. You are expected to juggle family expectations, survive random conversations about your future and still enjoy the pumpkin pie at the end.

From crowded kitchens to family drama to leftover overload, surviving the breaks require skills that go beyond cooking. Luckily, with a little planning and the right attitude, you can make it through the week like a pro. 

Try to finish all of your homework before break starts

Some teachers may give some packets or tons of homework right before break for “extra practice” but, it could mess up your holiday plans. If your teacher gives you the packet at the beginning of the week or before break starts, try to finish out the packet/all of your homework before your break starts so that you can relax during break and don’t have anything to worry about. Start by setting aside just 30-60 minutes each day early in the break, when things are still calm. The best time to work is before the family comes, before the kitchen chaos starts and definitely before the holiday food coma hits. Choose your hardest tasks first while your brain still has energy. Finishing the toughest assignments early makes everything else feel easier. 

While doing this, try not to stress yourself out. Take breaks when needed, but also don’t procrastinate too much. FHHS students were polled anonymously in the library on their ways to survive the time off. One student who utilizes the “Pomodoro Method” shared, “Usually when I do homework I use the 15 minute rule. Work for 15 minutes, take 5 minutes break and then get back to work and repeat.”

Another student kept it simple: “Coffee. That’s my method.”

If motivation is a problem, try rewarding yourself. Finish reading assigned chapters, then watch an episode of your favorite show. Finish a math lesson, then grab a snack. Breaks can help your brain stay focused and make schoolwork feel like less of a punishment.

Pacing yourself with food

The biggest mistake you can make on Thanksgiving day, especially, is eating too many snacks and not being hungry enough when it’s time to eat dinner. If you fill up on chips or “just one more cookie” before turkey hits the table, you’ll regret it. Choose wisely and save room for the main event. Also when it comes to dessert, pace yourself. Having 3 slices of pie could have you rethinking all your life decisions.

Avoid family drama

This time of year brings people together, sometimes even a little too close. Arguments might break out about politics, football or who ruined last year’s mashed potatoes.

The best move? Stay neutral.

If someone asks a question about something personal, change the subject. Another option is to deflect the question by pretending to “check something in the kitchen.” One FHHS student said that the best way to change the subject is to flat out say that you are not comfortable with the question.

Politely excusing yourself from the conversation is another way to dodge uncomfortable questions. Another trick: change the topic fast!

Compliment the food, ask if anyone wants dessert or bring up something that everyone can agree on. The ultimate goal is simple: enjoy the holiday, stay out of the crossfire and protect your peace like it’s the last piece of pie. 

Enjoy the small stuff

The holiday breaks don’t have to be full of stress. Enjoy the things that make it cozy. Sleeping in, warm leftovers, not hearing your alarm and watching movies and relaxing with zero guilt. 

Final tip: Go easy of yourself

The time off isn’t a competition. You don’t have to impress anyone or eat for three. Surviving the break is about balancing food, family, rest and your own peace. Do what feels right to you.

Even if that means hiding in the bathroom with your phone for 10 minutes. We all deserve a little doom scroll sometimes.