Holiday Survival Guide: Dealing with the Crazy Relatives
Seeing all of your friends and family during the holiday season is either something you look forward to or something that you dread. Maybe it’s your rude aunt, your strange cousin, or that other relative that you’ve always known was “cray cray.”
No matter who you dread seeing this holiday season, here are some constructive tips for making the best of being around the bizarre collective of people who happen to be related to you either by blood or other connections.
Laugh at the absurdity
When the yams are on fire, the little ones are shrieking, the dogs are barking, the two who just can’t get along are arguing, and weird uncle Ned is trying to tell you about his latest shenanigans, let yourself see the situation for what it is: absurd. Accept it and laugh at it.
Write it down
Throwing all of your friends and family under one roof for a Christmas dinner can produce unusual side effects. Some of the stories surrounding holidays in my families are ones you would never make up on your own, so they are perfect for your creative writing journal. Jot down what happens this year and use it as fodder for a family gathering in your novel.
Stick with the sane ones
Hopefully, there are a few family members you enjoy being around. Hang out with the normal ones. Then when your great aunt starts telling drunk stories, you have something else on which to focus.
Take a break
If it all becomes too much, step outside for a little bit. Go for a walk, or get some fresh air out in the yard. Play with the kids instead—the ones who aren’t screaming. Hide in the bathroom for a few minutes if necessary.
Remember: eventually it will be over
At some point, either you will pack up and go home or everyone else eventually will get out of your house and your hair and things will be normal again. Remind yourself that the strange people who are related to you will only be there for so long.
Focus on the positive
The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time of celebration. Focus on the things that make it enjoyable for you, whether it’s the spiritual dimension of the season, the Christmas carols, the gifts you’ve received, or simply the desserts.
Photo Credit: Mukumbura – licensed under Creative Commons.
About the Author
Shawna is a twenty-something year old English major living in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Matthew. She enjoys reading old books, writing novels in a month, listening to Regina Spektor, watching British TV shows with her husband, making tasty treats, exploring Portland with her friends, making self discoveries and blogging about her adventures as a college student. Find the author on the web at http://www.eruantale.net/.
