Preparing for Thanksgiving and Winter Break: A family’s guide for success

As Thanksgiving approaches and Winter Break follows soon after, many families are looking forward to reuniting with their college students. For many, this will be the first time their student has returned home since the semester began, offering a welcome break from the pace of college life. However, not all students are able to travel home for Thanksgiving or Winter Break due to various reasons, such as distance or finances. Whether your student will be returning home or staying on campus, there are a few important things to consider to ensure a smooth and meaningful transition.

Expect Changes

If your student is returning home for the first time since August, it is likely that they have changed in some ways. University is a time of growth and exploration, and students may come home with new perspectives, routines, or even different interests. This can be surprising for families, but it is a natural part of their development. Embrace these changes with an open mind and try to understand how your student has been shaped by their new environment.

Balancing Time and Expectations

Thanksgiving break is short, but Winter Break can stretch up to several weeks. During this time, students may want to relax, catch up on sleep, reconnect with friends, or spend time with family. It’s important to have open conversations about how time will be spent, balancing family expectations with your student’s need for rest and independence.

Families might have activities planned, while students may have their own agendas. For example, your student might be eager to see old friends, while you might be looking forward to spending quality family time. Setting clear expectations early on can help avoid disappointment or misunderstandings, ensuring everyone’s priorities are considered.

For Students Staying on Campus

For some students, traveling home for Thanksgiving or Winter Break is not possible, and they will remain on campus or in the local area. If your student is staying behind, stay connected with them and provide support from afar. Regular phone calls or video chats can help bridge the distance and remind them that they are still an important part of the family, even if they are not physically present.

Virginia Tech offers various resources for students who remain on campus during the breaks. Encourage your student to take advantage of opportunities, whether that means connecting with friends who are also staying on campus or making use of campus facilities to stay engaged and active.

Rest and Recharge

Whether at home or on campus, both Thanksgiving and Winter Break offer students the chance to rest and recharge after a busy semester. University life can be physically and mentally draining, and breaks are a valuable time for students to catch up on sleep, reflect on their experiences, and prepare for the next semester.

Patience and Understanding

Navigating these breaks can be an adjustment for both students and families. If your student is coming home for Thanksgiving or staying through Winter Break, remember that they have likely grown more independent since they left. Give them space to ease back into family life and be patient as they adjust to the different pace and expectations.

For students who had a challenging first semester, these breaks can be an opportunity to regroup, reflect on their academic and personal goals, and prepare for a fresh start. Be supportive, whether by celebrating their successes or encouraging them to address any difficulties they may have encountered.

Wishing you and your student a peaceful and restful Thanksgiving and Winter Break.

Warm regards,