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5 Tips to Surviving the Holidays with your Family

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at York U chapter.

It’s that time of year again. We get together with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. Unfortunately, we don’t always get to pick the people we see during the holidays. So here is a list of things you can do to survive certain unbearable situations. This list isn’t just about family; it’s about anyone you’re forced to see around this time of the year that kills your soul with even the thought of you having to interact with them.

Drink

The side of my family that really drinks is unfortunately the side that I wouldn’t need the alcohol for. So I stand out like a sore thumb when I’m chugging wine like it’s competition around my sober family members.

 

Source: Giphy

In all honesty though, this is probably my best tip. Alcohol drowns out the ignorant/insulting comments of those around you and the constant questioning of why you are still single.

Note: Drink responsibly!  

 

Source: Giphy

Get Them Drunk

Most people are more tolerable once they’ve had a few drinks. So, why not encourage everyone to drink more so that you can have a better holiday?

Create a signature drink so that everyone feels obligated to try it, then just keep refilling their glasses until you can stand to be around them.

Source: Giphy

Eat Yourself into A Food Coma

The upside to the holidays is the copious amounts of delicious food. So, what I like to do is stick by the food tables and shove as much food into my mouth as I can. This puts my body into an inevitable food coma which allows me to lay down on the couch and not really care about what is going on around me.

 

Source: Giphy

Have a Reason to Leave Early

Whether it be you’re going to visit a friend or you just came down with Ebola, it’s good to have an excuse to leave early. (Preferably after you’ve got your share of leftovers to bring home). It’s honestly the best feeling after you’ve survived another Christmas dinner and you’re able to walk out the door to freedom.

Source: Giphy

Pretend You’re Sick

If going to another event where you have to put up with people that you can’t stand is too much for you, then there is nothing wrong with skipping it all together and just saying that you’re sick. Stay at home and watch Christmas movies or hangout with friends. Life is too short to spend it with people you don’t enjoy being around.

 

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Just remember: it will all be over before you know it, so try to enjoy yourself and ignore anyone that ruins your holiday fun.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

 

A perpetually lost writer who is just trying to make sense of it all. Never ask me for directions. 
Sam is a Cinema & Media Studies student at York University. She is passionate about LGBTQ+ issues, mental health, and intersectional feminism. She loves dogs and grilled cheese and knows way too much about pop culture.