With the winter holidays approaching, you’re starting to look forward to your college student coming home for a few precious weeks. This festive season is always special for its traditions, but it’s even more meaningful now that it brings your whole family back under one roof.
Because time together is limited before the spring semester begins, it’s worth being intentional about how you spend it. Here are a few ways to make the most of the holidays with your college student.
| Key Takeaways – Communicate expectations early to get everyone on the same page. – Encourage your college student to rest and recharge for the spring semester. – Embrace family traditions and create lasting memories together. |
Tip #1: Set Expectations
Start by talking about what each of you hopes to get out of winter break. You might be envisioning your family’s pre-college routines, while your student may want to pick up a seasonal job or catch up with high school friends. Without clear communication, those differences can lead to frustration.
Ask your student what their priorities are for the break, and share your own plans or commitments, like family gatherings or holiday travel. It’s also fair to revisit household expectations. Even though your student is used to more independence, setting simple guidelines around curfews, boundaries, car use, or shared meals helps everyone stay respectful and connected.
Tip #2: Encourage Relaxation
College life is busy, and the end of the semester can be exhausting. Between finals, part-time jobs, and social commitments, students often come home ready for a break — even if they don’t admit it.
Encourage your student to rest and decompress before the next term begins. They might still be thinking about spring classes or financial aid deadlines, but downtime is essential for a mental reset and preventing burnout down the line.
Relaxation doesn’t have to mean foregoing holiday activities. Try cozy, low-stress ways to enjoy time together, like:
- Watching festive movies
- Making holiday meals and treats
- Taking a drive or walk to admire neighborhood lights
- Staying in for a family game night or hot cocoa bar
Tip #3: Enjoy the Holiday Season!
The holidays are made for merriment with your loved ones, so lean into your family’s favorite traditions, whether that’s baking cookies, decorating your home, or taking photos in matching pajamas. Your college student might grumble or roll their eyes, but they’ll appreciate these moments later on.
Above all, stay present. Winter break may only last a few weeks, but the memories you make will stay with your family long after your student heads back to campus.
Skip the Stress of Campus Moving
If your student will be traveling back to school after the holidays, Collegeboxes can help make the transition simple. From secure shipping and storage to doorstep delivery at their dorm, Collegeboxes by U-Haul makes moving to and from campus stress-free, so you can both enjoy the season without worrying about the logistics.