Graduation is supposed to be one of the most exciting parts of senior year, but grad party season already feels overwhelming before it even starts.

There are only so many weekends between graduation and the end of summer, so most people are going to choose the same few dates for their parties. Due to this, I know that I’ll be invited to multiple grad parties that overlap on the same day. Instead of being able to fully enjoy each one, it feels like I’ll have to choose between them or try to rush from place to place just to make an appearance at all of them.

The idea of running around town makes the so-called “celebrations” feel stressful. I want to be able to stay at each party, talk to people and actually celebrate with my friends. However. when everything overlaps, I’ll probably only be able to stay for a short time at each place. I already know I’ll feel bad if I don’t go to someone’s party, but I’ll also feel rushed if I try to go to too many. Showing up matters, but staying long enough also matters and it doesn’t feel like there’s a way to do both.

What makes grad party season more overwhelming is how much planning it will take. I’ll have to keep track of invitations, figure out schedules, coordinate rides and think about gifts. All of this is happening during a time when I also want to relax and enjoy the end of senior year. Instead of slowing down and taking in the moment, it already feels like everything will be hectic.

I also think a lot of people will end up feeling the same way. Hosts will probably worry about turnout because guests will be split between different parties and guests will feel guilty for missing events or for not staying long enough. That takes away from what grad parties are supposed to be about in the first place: celebrating accomplishments and spending time with friends and family.

I do think grad parties are a great tradition, and I understand why people want to celebrate. I just wish the timing didn’t make everything so stressful. It would be a lot better if parties could be spread out more or planned a little more carefully so people don’t feel pulled in every direction at once.

At the end of the day, I want grad parties to feel fun and meaningful, not like a schedule I have to manage. I’d rather truly enjoy fewer celebrations than feel overwhelmed trying to make it to all of them.