LIFE

 

There's no place like home for the holidays. But unfortunately, sometimes life just doesn't work out that way. Maybe your parents are divorced so you only get to be with Dad. Or maybe your cousin has to work on Christmas. Or maybe you live away from home and it's just too expensive to travel. Whatever the reason, it's tough. Here's how to cope with being apart for the holidays:

Celebrate another day. Who says Christmas can *only* happen on December 25th? If that day doesn't work for everyone, pick another time where you all can get together and pretend it's Christmas all over again. Even if it's in February, it doesn't matter. You can still exchange gifts and have Grandma's famous pot roast and sing carols.

Pick up the phone. We're always texting or Snapchatting each other, but on Christmas, actually call your fam. Hearing each other's voices will almost make it feel like you're together. Take it one step further by Skyping or Facetiming. The huge smile on your little sister's face will be so worth it. 

Stay busy. If you're the one who's away from your family, don't just sit around and be sad all day. Make other plans. If you have friends nearby, see what they're doing and maybe meet up with them or celebrate Christmas with their family. Or start a new Christmas tradition. Chinese takeout and Netflix anyone? 

Do the best you can. Sure, exchanging gifts at midnight won't be the same when your mom isn't there. And waking up without your cousins this year just doesn't feel right. But life goes on, and so does Christmas. Keep your spirits up and celebrate the people who *are* there. Remember how fortunate you are and look forward to next year when hopefully everyone will be together again. 

Have you ever been away from your fam for the holidays? Let us know how you dealt in the comments!

by Amanda Tarlton | 12/21/2016