Kick ass guide (thanks coach Vicki) to get through the holidays!

The Kick-Ass Guide To Getting Through The Holidays With Your Family

by Vicki Garcia on December 11, 2012

I know, I know, we are supposed to cherish our family and look forward to spending the Holidays with them. I also know that this isn’t always the case for most people.
You might have a mother-in-law who is overly controlling. Maybe you have a sister who is a bit too critical for your liking. What about Uncle Bob who always drinks too much? Or, your Aunt who is always late. Or your brother who always seems to find something to criticize.
It can be stressful to be with family when our expectations are so high for having a wonderful Holiday celebration!
Here are my (somewhat sarcastic) suggestions for having a fantastic holiday, no matter who you’re with:

1. Get wasted. I’m kidding. Kinda. I don’t mean to say you should actually get bombed but I do suggest a glass of wine or two. It’s amazing how imbibing a little can calm your frayed nerves and give you a little extra grace toward people who annoy you. If you don’t drink, just pretend you’re wasted. This helps quite a bit with #2 below.
2. Laugh. Make sure you decide in advance that you are going to have a good time, no matter what (or who)! Find ways to laugh even if it means private jokes in your head about the ugly sweater your sister-in-law is wearing. This one goes great with that glass of wine I mentioned in #1.
3. Lower your expectations. I know you have visions of the perfect meal and everyone getting along and all the kids behaving like angels. Cut it out! Be realistic and know that things may not go exactly as planned. Also know that this is part of the charm of the holidays and will make for a great story next year!
4. Get off your butt. Do not. I repeat, do not, sit in one place the whole time. Get off your butt. Walk around and socialize. Offer to help. Play with the kids. Go get another drink. Movement can do wonders for changing your attitude if it’s going downhill.
5. Smile. Yep, just smile. No matter what you just heard her say.
6. Remember why you love them. Think of each family member and come up with one quirky, funny or even annoying thing about them and realize that is part of their charm. You love them because of it, not in spite of it.
7. Know that it will soon be over. This is only one moment in time. Whether it’s going great or horribly, don’t put too much weight on it.

These are my tactics for getting through the Holidays without losing my mind or being overly cranky. I can tell you from plenty of personal experience, they work!
What do you do to make sure you enjoy the Holidays? Please share your stories!