ALT-7 Secrets to Enjoying Family Holidays
Everyone reacts to family holidays differently. There always seem to be in every circle of people, be it work or friends, that one person that claims "I love the holidays" or "I love my family, they're my best friends!". Which maybe that's true, but not all families are like that, and not all family holidays are too enjoyable. There are some basics that will help you make your next family holiday a little more enjoyable for all involved.
Spirits!It's no hidden secret that alcohol loosens everyone up, and sometimes that's just what you need at these functions. A drink or two in your system can relax your nerves (and your mothers) and you'll be more likely to brush off the comment your Aunt Fran just made about why you're not married.
Just let it go -Back to Aunt Fran, that comment she said, let it go. One of the benefits of being a grown up and coming home for the holidays is that you don't have to face your families views every day. So just let it go. You never know, it may have come out in a hurtful way but she really meant that she admired your independence and wishes she could have had it at your age.
While you're letting things go, also let go the notion of a perfect holiday. Families are not like in the movies. There will be no perfect turkey that comes out of the oven, and no ohhing and ahhing over the stuffing when it comes to the table. Families do not miraculously all love each other one day of the year. And you know what? It's okay. Let go of that notion and appreciate your family for who they are. Crazy, cooky and unconventional as they may be.
Realize, it's not all about you.More likely then not, your family holiday will have more then just you at the party. And most of the people in that room will be as concerned, nervous and worried about what they're wearing, how they look and what Grandma thinks about how they're living their lives as you do. So realize the snapping at you for making the cheesy potatoes with cream of chicken instead of onion so your vegan sister can't eat it may not because she's really mad about the potatoes, but doesn't know how to tell your mom that she's pregnant.
Go back to your house!Once it is all over, another perk of being an adult and celebrating the holidays with your family is that you get to go back to your house and your world. So go, don't let the obligations get the best of you and spend a week at your parents house when you wanted to spend 2 days. They'll get over it and you'll enjoy their company more next time. Once you get back, do something with your friends/significant other that reminds you of Christmas. Start your own ritual.
Families have to love you no matter what, it's part of the deal. And the more you pay attention to how you're dealing with it all the better it will be for everyone involved. And when in doubt you can always go back to tip #1, spirits!
