“The Holidays” refers to both Thanksgiving and Christmas, a time when everyone is supposed to be merry and bright, thankful for everything they have, always in a giving mood, and just be super darn jolly. Unfortunately, the holidays are usually very stressful because it’s one of the few times the entire family gets together, which is usually a recipe for disaster. If your family is anything like mine, something that shouldn’t be an issue usually results in a yelling match and ultimately someone leaving the holiday celebration. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I love my family, even when they’re making the holidays less than enjoyable. Here are some things to keep in mind if your family is anything like mine around the holidays:
1. Don’t bring up controversial issues or old arguments. If someone else brings them up, stay out of it because that has the potential to escalate a lot. Plus, you don’t want what you thought was a harmless comment to turn into another huge fight.
2. When family members ask about college, keep your answers fairly vague. Being too specific about what you do on your weekends (ahem drunken parties) can turn into a lecture from your nosy aunts or a frustrating rant about “kids these days”.
3. Keep the conversation lighthearted and MERRY. Family time is supposed to be fun (Right?)!
4. If your aunts try to get you to choose a favorite aunt, avoid answering at all costs. This could potentially not end well for you.
5. Make sure you offer to help out with the cooking, dishes, cleaning, anything. You don’t want to add” lazy, ungrateful kids” to the list of holiday drama.
6. If you’re about to explode with frustration, take a moment for yourself. Grab a piece of pie and take a walk or go hang out with the little cousins for a while. Responding to something when you’re angry is usually never a good idea.
7. Be Positive! Sometimes the drama is just so ridiculous, you have to laugh about it. Remember how grateful you are for your family, even though they frustrate you most, if not all, of the time. This is one of the best times to employ the “it is what it is” mentality.
8. If all else fails, bring popcorn. If you’re not involved in the drama and there’s nothing you can do, make the best of it by watching it unfold (Just kidding…).
So here is my advice on surviving the holidays with very dramatic family members. The holidays really are the most wonderful time of the year even though it doesn’t always feel like it. Just remember that after dealing with all the unnecessary drama, you deserve an extra piece of pie. Best of luck and happy holidays!