The Secret Life of Holiday Group Chats

There is no force on earth more chaotic, entertaining, or emotionally charged than a holiday group chat. Before the bags are packed, before the tickets are booked, before anyone has even agreed on dates — the group chat is already alive, buzzing, and slightly unhinged.

What starts as a simple “So are we doing something in December?” quickly becomes a digital documentary of friendship, family dynamics, poor planning, and very strong opinions about accommodation.

Welcome to the secret life of holiday group chats.

This phase begins with enthusiasm. Someone sends voice notes at 07:12. Someone else suggests activities that require fitness, coordination, and early mornings. There are links to places that look incredible and cost exactly double everyone’s budget. At this point, everyone still believes the holiday will be “chilled”.

It won't be.

There is always at least one person who reads every message and contributes nothing.
They will not vote.
They will not suggest.
They will not confirm.

But two weeks later, they will have very strong opinions about where you’re staying and how far it is from the beach.

They are the most dangerous member of the chat.

This is when someone finally says it:
“Guys… that place is a bit pricey.”

Suddenly, screenshots of bank balances appear.
The phrase “we can make it work” is used aggressively.
Someone suggests sharing beds “just for a few nights”.
Another person threatens to pull out completely.
The mood shifts, but the chat survives.

Barely.

Every group chat has one spreadsheet person and one “let’s just go with the flow” person.
These two should never be allowed in the same chat, yet here we are.

One wants bookings, itineraries, and confirmation numbers.
The other believes the universe will provide accommodation on arrival.
They will argue.
Repeatedly.

Everyone else will mute the chat.

As the holiday approaches, the chat becomes unhinged. Questions like:

Someone shares a packing list no one asked for. Someone else sends memes instead of answers. The excitement peaks. The stress is real. Nobody is actually ready.

Once the trip starts, the chat transforms into live commentary.
Traffic updates.
Snack debates.
Photos of cars packed like Tetris.
Someone is already annoyed.
Someone is already late.
Someone is already drunk.

The holiday has officially begun.

After the trip, the chat goes quiet. Too quiet. Everyone needs time to recover — emotionally, financially, and physically. Eventually, someone will send photos with the caption “Take me back”. And just like that, the cycle prepares to repeat.

Because as chaotic as holiday group chats are, they’re also part of the magic. They’re where anticipation lives, friendships are tested, memories are planned badly — and somehow, against all odds, a great holiday still happens.