It's that time of the year... holiday break.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or the typical Atheist holiday of probably still celebrating the others, you might be with your family. Most of us college students want a break from the school and though spending loads of time with family doesn't always sound the most ideal, it's what you tend to do during the holidays. So take a break from Netflix and/or studying for finals to learn the ways of surviving this upcoming holiday break when around your loved ones.

DISCLAIMER: Do not read this if you did not survive Thanksgiving, zombies have very little brain capacity to comprehend new ideas.

1. Utilize Your Shower

Alright, you're awake. Your mom and dad know you're awake. It's Christmas morning and if you move you will be asked to carry food in, stir a pot of gravy, or talk to Grandma about why you are still single.

So, wait.

It'll be tough. You mom will yell for you to get up and your dad will tell you the real world won't let you sleep until the middle of the day. Ignore them, they don't understand how it feels to be a kid... instead keep your eyes on the prize and your prize does not involve discussing your single life.

When the time is right, when the food is almost ready, take a shower. You may think, "whoah, the food is almost done, why not eat now?" and I respond with "shut up and take a shower". During this shower, your parents will be furious, the gravy will be burned a little, grandma will probably be napping or enjoying her third sweet tea, and most importantly, you'll be alone. Take your time, enjoy that shower... once you're done, get something cozy on for my next survival tip.

2. Post-Food Nap!

You feel feel full. Almost too full. Take advantage of this feeling by catching some Z's on the couch. It's pretty easy to do too. Most of the family will be feeling the same way as well and will need a little bit before they are ready to take on conversations about politics, Miley Cyrus, and once again, most importantly, your dating life.

Don't feel bad about napping, everyone in the family will desire to be you on the couch, dead to the world with a belly full of burnt gravy... they might even applaud your lack of devotion to sitting next them while conscious.

Naps are perfect to stop conversation believe it or not! If you aren't feeling tired after eating, which I couldn't see how at our age, then fake it. I once pretended to sleep on the couch during Christmas for two hours until some family members decided to leave (to avoid conversation, not them). Faking it is also pretty simple but just be prepared for some semi-mean comments your family will hurdle at your unconscious body.

3. Find the Sports-ball!

So you're awake but this time you're in the thick of it all. Your uncle has begun talking about gun laws. Your mom has told everyone about your recent breakup. And Grandma forgot she told the story about her neighbor's cat seven times already.

So you're scared.

Grab the remote and turn on sports-ball. If you haven't heard of sports-ball then your mind is about to explode. There's basketsports-ball, footsports-ball, and even soccer...sports-ball. These, for some strange reason, seem to enchant people who watch them... and they're available all over the TV. Your family will either become really invested in the game or they will at least have something else to talk about. Don't worry, if there aren't any big games happening on the holidays just keep clicking the channel button, there's bound to be at least one Australian tennissports-ball match somewhere on a channel you didn't know your parents paid for.

Watching A Christmas Story is also a great alternative.

4. Have A Conversation

This is going to be the hardest concept to wrap your head around but... would if you just talked to your family? I know, I sound crazy.

You may be wondering, "what do we talk about?!" And I reply with, "anything."

You're not racking up student debt to just never talk about anything you've learned in college. Talk about SOMETHING. Maybe you just researched something interesting or you learned to love coffee. Your family doesn't care what you're talking about, they just want to talk. Now feed those hungry lions with elk made from your impending graduation.

And if you're unsure on how to start a conversation - take it from comedian Chelsea Peretti who says to "wear a funky necklace." Or you can try something cool like breaking the living room window and inviting ducks with party hats on to squat in your home. It will gets lips a-flapping.

5. Bonus - Avoid All Contact

Adopt stray dogs, fly to Antarctica, and set up shop selling candid selfies with penguins to members of the UN. This one might sound like the opposite of my last one and you're right. And if you choose this option, just know there is no going back! This is the only way... one of those selfies will eventually be the focus of a Tumblr post and your sibling might stumble upon it, but that's about as much contact you can have with your family if you chose this option.

So enjoy the holidays. Survive them.