How To Handle Family Drama This Christmas

Santa Claus is coming to town and so are our many of our ‘close’ relatives.

Not to worry. We have all experienced the ‘silent night’; the awkward squish of the cheeks; stories about when we were babies and how we used to be so ‘cute’. (Aren’t we all still adorable?)

Here are my top tips to surviving Christmas with the fam.

1. Fake laugh.

“Ha ha!” No matter who you’re talking to, laughing will always be happily returned. It might even get you out of a conversation, especially since you’re not exactly providing any conversation starters. (Hot tip: Make sure you listen to the beginning of the conversation; you don’t want to be laughing at the wrong sort of topic… Uncle Albert’s funeral for one.)

2. Pretend to help in the kitchen.

We all know on Christmas day the kitchen is one--how do I put it?—Grinching mess. It’s also the perfect place to look like you’re doing something productive, but are really just wiping down a bench for the thousandth time. (Hot tip: If you do this, make sure there are a lot of people in the kitchen; otherwise you might actually get lumped with real work.)

3. Work on your family bond.

Stick with the people you know and ‘like’ best. Whether this is a brother, sister or cousin, it can really help get you through the day.

4. Eat, eat and eat some more.

It’s hard to keep a conversation flowing while chomping on chicken. That might be a good thing!

5. Suggest singing and keep smiling.

Singing, at times, can be harsh on the ears, but at least it gets everyone out of those awkward encounters and brings them together. Oh, and simply smiling works a charm too. Here’s how it goes: 1. Smile and nod. 2. Repeat!

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Photo: Warner Bros