How to Survive The Holidays With Your Relatives or In-laws

It's that time of year when you'll have to spend at least one dinner or afternoon with your relatives or in-laws and you may be completely dreading the occasion. Here are a few ideas on how to get through them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• snacks for the car ride over (ie; pretzels, a couple of cookies, etc)

1. EAT BEFORE YOU GO - You may be going to Aunt Jo's for dinner, but make sure you have a snack on the way over or before you leave. I like to bring a small bag of pretzels with me to eat on the drive over.
   
   There are a few reasons to do this:
   A) In my experience, dinner is always late. They say you'll eat at 5pm, but at 6:30pm you're just sitting down at the table. Sure they have some appetizers, but a cube of cheese and two large shrimp are not going to cut it.
   B) Everyone gets cranky when they're hungry. Low blood sugar is a recipe for disaster. You don't want to say something you'll regret because you're grumpy and starving.
   C) Diving into the potatoes will not go unnoticed. Yes, dinner was late, but that is no reason to pig out. The host (as well as others) is keeping track of what everyone eats and you pigging out will not go unnoticed. Trust me. This is a big topic of conversation after many of the guests have left.

2. DO NOT DRINK TOO MUCH - Drinking too much alcohol is a sure fire way to say or do something you'll regret. The holidays are a time to relax and have fun. Just remember to keep it to one alcoholic drink per hour and try to have a glass of water in between drinks. (I like to have a sparkling water like Perrier. It fills your stomach and seems more festive. Try it with a slice of lime or lemon.)

3. PREPARE SOME SNAPPY ZINGERS - There is always one relative you dread to see. You know that Uncle Jack is going to raze you about being laid off. Or Aunt Jane feels like a lull in the conversation is the perfect time to bring up that you're still single. Prepare for these moments by coming up with some snappy come-backs. This is a good topic of conversation to have with your best friend or spouse a few days before the event to practice or get some good ideas.

4. AVOID TALKING ABOUT RELIGION AND POLITICS - These are the hot topic conversations. Everyone has an opinion and everyone thinks their opinion is the only correct one. As much as possible, try to avoid these topics of conversation. Change the subject, refresh your drink or go to the washroom if needed.

5. BRING SOME ENTERTAINMENT - I usually get pretty bored after a few hours of chit chatting with the relatives. I like to bring a deck of cards, an easy fun board game or some old pictures of previous holidays to share. Break out the cards for a game of Gin Rummy or Cribbage. Betting with pennies can be fun too. Just remember to keep it light and fun. If you don't finish the game, no problem. The point is to have fun.

6. KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOUR - Remember, Aunt Jo and Uncle Jack probably have good intentions and your best interest at heart. They just have a strange way of expressing it. These are the same people who will be there for you when you need them most. (At least I hope they would!) Try to keep your cool at all times.
   
   Remember .... you only do this once a year. Cheers!

[WordWhizKid]

on 11/18/2008 Great article, nice writing style!