5 Ways To Survive The Holidays With Your Family
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

5 Ways To Survive The Holidays With Your Family

You know you're going to need this this upcoming holiday season.

39
5 Ways To Survive The Holidays With Your Family
Public Holidays Global

Now that the Halloween season has come to an end, there are two things that are on everyone's mind: half-priced chocolate and Thanksgiving.

If you live anywhere besides home, there is always one thought that crosses your mind as the weeks leading up to going home for Thanksgiving passes, "How am I going to survive all of the questions from my relatives?"

Don't fret, because my unofficial guide to surviving Thanksgiving may help you in this upcoming holiday season!

1. Tell the truth.

This one goes a long way, especially if your relatives are particularly nosey. Sometimes, telling the truth will actually scare your relatives away. It also helps if they haven't seen you in a while. This works if you know that their views on your life are not positive, such as your living situation, relationship, or college life decisions. If they hate it, just remember that it's not their life, and you're very happy with all of your decisions.

2. Master the "awkward silence."

There's always the uncomfortable silence in every conversation with relatives, so learn to fill that silence. Maybe direct the conversation toward them, even if it isn't the most entertaining exchange in the world. Ask about their life, kids (if applicable), job, or future plans. You may not be interested, but at least it's better than sitting in silence for an unimaginable amount of time.

3. Find your people.

In every family situation, there's always the one person you can go to and stick around for the whole time. They're usually a cousin you have a good relationship with or maybe it's your sibling. It could even be the dog or cat at that house. These are great for escaping to during the awkward silences between vague relatives who you haven't seen in a while. They're great for a laugh or awkward story, but you love seeing them, so it's all worth it.

4. Don't be afraid to be yourself.

The most uncomfortable part of going to any family gathering is having the courage to be yourself. This season, try tearing all of your walls down and being as open as possible. Some may hate it, but as long as you're comfortable, it's going to be a great time for you.

5. Enjoy your time.

Unless you live close by or at home, it's not very often you get to see your family. Enjoy the limited time you have at home because it could be some time before you see them again. You may be dreading seeing some people, but you can always appreciate seeing everyone. If anything, show them how much you changed, and prove to them how much you have come out of your shell. Remember, revenge is always served best with a side of stuffing!


*Results may vary.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58839
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37977
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959502
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

195381
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments