How to survive a holiday with your family

Holidays, where multiple families come together under one roof, may seem like a recipe for joy and togetherness, but it often comes with its own set of challenges - especially when you throw in neurodivergency and opposite body clocks where one group gets up at sparrow fart and the other likes to commune with the night owl.

However, with a bit of planning and a few strategic moves, it's possible to survive joint holidays and even return home feeling somewhat rested. Or at least, this is what I'm told.

Embracing flexibility and compromise is critical to surviving these joint holidays.

Planning ahead can be a great way to ensure holidays are co-ordinated with consideration for everyone. Co-ordinate travel schedules, book accommodation, and make reservations in advance.

This reduces last-minute stress and ensures that everyone is on the same page. You could also consider creating a shared travel itinerary that includes flight details, accommodation information, and a list of planned activities. Of course, this assumes that itineraries and pre-planned activities suit everyone's approach to holidays.

Assigning roles and responsibilities to each person in the group can ensure that no one person is stuck doing all the work. One person could be in charge of booking flights, another for accommodation, and someone else for activities or meals.

Encouraging everyone to pack light and efficiently. Make a checklist of essential items and share it with the group. Packing cubes and compression bags can help maximise suitcase space. Also, consider sharing items like toiletries and electronics to avoid duplicating.

Setting some ground rules to ensure harmony during the trip may be helpful to curtail any "challenging" relationships within the group. Discuss things like wake-up times, meal preferences, and how decisions will be made. Establishing these norms ahead of time can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.

Even when travelling together, it's important to have some personal time. Encourage everyone to take short breaks or have some alone time to recharge. This can be as simple as a solo walk, reading a book, or visiting a local café.

While having a plan is essential, flexibility is key - especially if you have group members that are neurodivergent. Be open to changes in the schedule and accommodate everyone's preferences. Unexpected delays or changes in plans are common during travel, so it's important to stay adaptable and positive.

Maintaining open and clear communication with everyone in the group is really important to ensure everyone knows what's happening and has a say in plans. Use messaging apps to stay connected and update each other on any changes or important information. Ensure that everyone's contact information is shared and easily accessible.

Money matters can be a source of tension. Keep track of shared expenses and split costs fairly among the group. Use apps or spreadsheets to manage expenses and ensure transparency. This helps avoid any financial disputes and ensures everyone contributes equally.

Comfort is also crucial for a restful trip. Choose accommodations that provide enough space and amenities for everyone. If possible, opt for rental homes or apartments over hotel rooms to have a homier environment. Ensure that everyone has a comfortable sleeping arrangement.

Incorporating relaxation activities into your travel itinerary, bearing in mind that this will look different for different people. This could be a spa day, a beach outing, or simply a day with no planned activities. Encourage everyone to unwind and enjoy some downtime during the trip.

Remember that the primary goal of the trip is to enjoy each other's company and create lasting memories. Focus on having fun and making the most of your time together. Capture moments with photos and take time to appreciate the experience.

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After the trip, take some time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved for future travels. Share feedback with each other and adjust your planning and strategies accordingly. This helps in making future trips even smoother and more enjoyable.

All that's said, I confess that I'm sitting in the bathroom, hiding while writing this, as my children fight with each and my nine-year-old daughter refuses to get dressed because she's decided she would rather be on YouTube than go to the best zoo in the world. So sometimes, even with all your ducks in a row and the best planning in the world, things don't go to plan.

And that's OK. Ish. Hopefully, I will survive this trip to be able to write again next week!

Happy New Year, dear readers.