Family, Families.

Holidays give way to merry times, and fellowship with the ones you love. Being from a divorced family, the stress can be bit more present when deciding which family to see on what holiday along with other minor yet touchy details involved. Although the pressure is hopefully unintentional, it seems as though everyone yearns to see our bright, young faces. So,  it's always best to try to make this dysfunctional situation somewhat functional. 

It's the season of giving, but sometimes, it's okay to be a bit selfish. My mom wanted my sister and I with her and her husband's family in Chicago while my sister and I wanted to be with my dad's side of the family in North Carolina. Feeling a bit torn, we took our self-interest into consideration and spent some time up in the Blue Ridge Mountains with our dad, older brother and sister. Mom was a bit upset at first but understood after adjusting a little. We realized no one was highly offended and our assertiveness gained some respect from our parents.

It's important to remember that as college students, we are still a part of our families while establishing our own individuality. Despite the pressure that your families can put on you, deciding where to go during the holidays is a decision of your own.