Unpacking the Vacation: Tips to Delay the Back-to-School Stress

As the end of summer approaches, many grapple with the looming stress of returning to routine. For some, the transition is eased by creative strategies to hold onto the vacation spirit a little longer.

One such approach, shared by Nathalie, a mother of a large family, involves keeping her suitcase unpacked. She confessed that her luggage has remained in their bedroom since their return from vacation. For Nathalie, the act of unpacking and putting away her belongings signifies the definitive end of her holiday. As long as the suitcase is visible and unpacked, she feels a lingering sense of being on vacation, a promise of future getaways.

She even humorously wished her husband would suggest using this as an excuse for another trip, saying, "Ah, you haven't unpacked your suitcase? Come on, let's drop the kids at my mother's for the weekend and we'll get out of here!"

Inspired by Nathalie's tactic, the author spent a weekend gathering similar tips from acquaintances on how they prolong their summer bliss and delay the inevitable return to work and daily responsibilities. These shared methods offer a glimpse into the universal desire to extend the carefree days of vacation and savor the remaining warmth of the season.

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Ah, tu n’as pas défait ta valise? Allez, on place les gosses chez ma mère pour le week-end et on se tire!