3 sticky holiday sitches--and how to handle them

For as many parties as you attend during the holidays, there are sure to be just as many sticky seasonal situations. Handle them with ease with our never-fail guide to warding off festive faux pas.

 

#1 For one reason or another, a close friend hates—or doesn’t celebrate—Christmas, while you do it up right.

 

You don’t have to stifle your delight in the season to avoid attracting your bud’s ire, nor do you have to ditch her during the holidays. Go about your business, but don’t force her to help trim the tree or don a Santa hat. Be sensitive to her gripes and careful not to let her get you down. Invite her to all gatherings, but if she refuses to join in the festivities, shrug off her sour spirit. And do resist the urge to tease or mock her for her interests or beliefs, OK?

 

#2 The inevitable big family gathering is fun…except for Great Aunt Louise’s persistent inquiries about your relationship status, your report card and your weight.

 

Sigh. While we’d love to tell off overly inquisitive relatives, that’s not the best route to help keep the peace this holiday season. Instead, have a few conversation starters (and topic-changers) prepared in advance when you know you’re gonna be bombarded by inappropriate questions. In a pinch, darting off with your most sincere apologies to help Mom with an imagined kitchen emergency always works.

 

#3 If you had as much money as friends, you’d buy everyone a gift they’d love. But the truth is, you’re totally broke.

 

Not having the money you wish you had for the perfect present for each and every one of your best buds is a bummer, babe. Now is the time to get creative. Instead of playing favorites and risking hurting another friend’s feelings but not getting them anything at all, suggest a Secret Santa-type of gift exchange, a tight per-present budget or a DIY theme for all of your prezzies. Hit up the dollar store for kitschy items your girls will get a kick out of, or whip up something sweet in the kitchen.

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by Brittany Taylor | 2/1/2016
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