When winter comes, it's a continuous string of family events, from Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah, to New Years. For most people, this much family time with distant relatives is not enjoyable and might cause some stress. Here's a list on how to deal with the holidays.

1.) Bring a book wherever you go

Reading a book isn't only good for reading and improving your vocabulary, but it can get you out of many awkward situations. If there is ever an awkward silence between you and your mom's cousin's third son who's been removed due to a divorce, a non-rude way of avoiding conversation (or starting!) is by reading a book. If there is a silence, read! If someone sees you reading, they might know the author or the book and that can be an easy conversation starter!

2.) Stick by the food

People come and go from the food, and you can have many small one to two minute conversations with every relative. This gets socializing out of the way because the relatives come to you near the food, and they strike up the conversation. After they get their food, they will most likely go back to their seat and you can be alone again after a few minute conversation about the weather.

3.) Find someone you are comfortable with

In this instance, it is my sister. I usually stick to her or text a close friend who is in the same awkward situation I am in. If you find someone you are close with, you will always have someone to sit with without it being awkward. You can always have that one person to stick with when you don't know where to go or who to talk to.

4.) Do not put in your earbuds and ignore everyone

Not only is this rude, but it shows a lack of respect to the people you are with. Your grandma has probably not seen you in a long time and I am positive she wants to know about your friends and school. While small talk with people you see once a year might not be the most enjoyable thing, try to not isolate yourself because your family wants to know what's going on in your life, and pushing yourself out of family time just shows you don't care about your relatives.

5.) Talk about your life

People who you see once a year don't really know much about your life, so they are most likely going to ask about school, your grade, your friends, your outside activities, etc..., so be prepared and know what you would like to talk about. Predicting their questions and rehearsing answers is most likely to reduce anxiety because you already know what to talk about.

Family time is sacred time, because it is only family who will stick by you in any circumstance. Sure, you might want to ditch Thanksgiving dinner and hang with your friend's family, but it is important to show your family you care about them and appreciate them. Thanksgiving is a day about reflecting on what you are grateful for, and it should be done with people who share a part of you (literally, like DNA and stuff). Sure, it might suck in some circumstances, but it is only once a year, so try to make the best out of it.