Surviving your parents’ visit on Halloweekend
Finding the perfect balance between college fun and family fun
I’m just gonna start this article by saying, “who thought putting parents weekend on the same weekend of Halloween was a good idea?” because it’s definitely not. I’m sure the general plan around here is to spend the day with your parents and then, “watch Halloween movies at night with a few friends,” aka get trashed in costume. This is hard to do when your parents have stuff planned all weekend, especially those that are coming all the way from wherever. You do not, I repeat do not need to sacrifice Halloweekend. There’s a few ways you can make this work.
Bring your parents to the parties. They can relive their college glory days! Who doesn’t want to have mom and pops shotgun beers together? How cute. Or Grandpa doing a keg stand?
There’s always the option to be honest with them. Tell them you are going to make it to Halloweekend and they can’t stop you. It’s not your fault halloween is on the same weekend.
Tire them out. Mention everything you need to buy (you always need more winter clothes) and eat a huge meal. They’ll be so tired you’ll have ample time to tuck them in bed before you dip for a night on the town.
Getting out of the house in little to no clothes is risky business (ha) If you’re staying with your parents or getting ready at your parents’ hotel or wherever, make sure you have a backup costume. It can even be an ugly jacket that you don’t mind losing. They’ll just think your costume sucks.
The day after….recovery for round two.
On hangovers: If you can try to avoid it, do try. You really don’t want to feel gross while your parents are here. Pull yourself together because they did not come all the way to see you pass out on the bed.
Suggest getting breakfast. Food is the first step in recovering from day 1 or 2 of Halloweekend, and if you’re 21 you can get your parents to indulge in some brunch mimosas.
Do something cute and halloweenish, like watching Hocus Pocus or Halloweentown. This can qualify as perfect bonding time and you can rest for as long as you want.
Introduce your parents to your friends parents. Maybe they can get drinks together or dinner? It’s a great opportunity for them to get to know each other, and a chance for you and your friends to go out.
All in all, make sure you spend time with your family. Whether it’s taking them out with you, or spending the day in together, having that time with them is worth it. That does’t mean you have to risk Halloweekend, just find a balance!