LIFE

 

You love seeing your fam around Christmastime, from your super-cool cousin who lives in L.A. to your grandparents who overload you with gifts and yummy cookies. It's all fun until, well, it isn't. First there's the holiday photo shoot. Then breakfast at your aunt's on Christmas Eve morning. Then the annual family party followed by church. Then another breakfast on Christmas morning. And present-opening. And don't even get started on the rest of the day. It can be *a lot*. Here's how to deal when you start getting overwhelmed with all the family festivities:

Carve out some "me-time". Being constantly surrounded by family and houseguests can be super draining, especially if you're more introvert than extrovert.  Don't feel guilty for requiring some time to yourself during it all. Slip out to yoga class, go on a walk around the neighborhood or simply go to your bedroom, close the door and read a chapter of that new book. Anything that lets you recharge and take a time-out.

Make a plan beforehand. Know what events you're required to be at, who will be at your house and where you need to be when. Then, you can actually schedule your free time so that you make sure you stay sane throughout the coming weeks. It's important to be flexible because plans may change but knowing when you'll get to relax and take a break can take a lot of the stress off.  

Stay positive. No one likes a negative Nancy so keep your complaining to a minimum, even when everyone starts fighting over what time you should decorate the tree. Instead, be the optimistic one of the group and try to keep spirits light. Suggest alternatives or try to come up with a compromise that'll make the whole group happy. Not only will you get rid of the tension, you'll be the star of the show! 

Remember what it's all about. Hearing your parents argue about Uncle Ned coming to visit or dealing with your baby cousin's crying *all* night long makes it hard to focus on what Christmas is really meant to be: a time to celebrate the people you love. And while they might get on your nerves, at the end of the day, you love your fam. Try to keep that in mind when you're about to scream, and remember how fortunate you are to have each other and to be together this Christmas. 

How do you cope when it gets to be too much? Let us know below! 

Photo credit: Fanaru.

by Amanda Tarlton | 12/14/2016