The Holidays: filled with food, Christmas shopping and...well...family. As much as you love your family, you can't escape those awkward family dinners that never seem to go as planned. In fact, even the characters from Disney's The Emperor's New Groove seem to understand.

1. Summoning the strength to face the good, the bad and the ugly:

You know there is no escaping the awkward uncomfortable. Time to roll up your sleeves, take a deep breath and put on a brave face.

2. When a distant relative goes in for a hug:

You don't know me, I don't know you, let's not make this more awkward than it needs to be.

3. Trying to figure out who that one relative belongs to:

Aren't you my third cousin twice removed...or wait, did you marry my second cousin? Do I even know you?

4. When the it's finally time to eat:

The awkward conversation carries on, but at least you can stuff your mouth with food in an attempt to avoid answering uncomfortable questions, like why you're still single or how many stray dogs you've adopted in the past month.

5. When people pressure you about the future:

"Are you seeing anyone?" "What are your plans after you graduate?" "Do you have a job lined up?" "What schools are you looking at?" The only way to avoid an emotional breakdown is to disconnect from thinking about the future.

6. When family fights break out, and the truth comes out:

You know they'll regret it later, but you have to wonder how long they've been holding that one in...and what other deep dark thoughts they're keeping hidden.

7. When that one rude relative eventually offends everyone at the dinner table:

They're either single, or they're about to be.

8. Being caught in the middle of political/religious/relationship drama:

You know it's better to keep your mouth shut and not get involved. But seriously, can't we all just enjoy a peaceful, drama-free dinner together as a family? Isn't that what the holidays are all about? Then again, maybe that's just me...