Dec
Coping with family at Christmas
Going home for Christmas is a joy for many, but it can also bring quite a few problems with it; from the temporary loss of independence to having to live by the rules of the house, rather than your own.
The first, and most important thing to remember is that if you’re going home or have been invited somewhere for Christmas, then it is because that is where you’re wanted. Sure, it may not feel like it when you’re having another argument with your annoying little sister, but that’s not to say it’s not true. So even if you’ve got to be home by 10pm or your parents want to know where you are all the time, it is born out of love. Maybe just ask your parents to give you a bit of freedom if you feel particularly suffocated.
Secondly, if you’re not having a great time, it’s not unlikely that your friends are having a few issues too, and probably similar ones. Give them a call and chat it out, even just talking about generic things to your friends is a great way of relieving stress, and you could even plan what you’re going to do when you return to Southampton!
Seeing as you’ve gone home, why not also go out and about? It can really help to make you feel better, whether it is by visiting your favourite pub or the park where you and your college friends used to hang out. Even better, why not get your friends from home to go with you?
Perhaps your worry is that you don’t have many friends at home, but that’s not something to worry about! Take it as an opportunity to meet new people; people are usually friendlier around the festive season, so get along to a carol concert or go with a family member to something festive for young people and just say hello to everyone!
Don’t forget that there is the Advice Centre which you can contact for any troubles you have, and remember that there is no problem that cannot be solved.
Tags: advice, Advice Centre, celebration, Christmas, family, festive, friends, home, joy, support, xmas