The Angel's Loft

Survival Tips for Holidays with the Family!

I don't know about you, but June & Ward Cleaver don't exist in my family. I mean, we're "normal" and all that, but basically just as dysfunctional as any other "normal" family...And, yes, it's disappointing that my family is not the Cleaver's that epitomized  what we should believe is the ideal American Family.

Well, here we are heading into the holiday season - with the Big Feast day coming up. My Significant Other and I have been invited to partake in the ritual of gorging ourselves and the festivities of sitting down at the big table with my sister's friends and what family members are able to attend.

I've had the privilege of spending this glorious holiday in the past with friends, and enjoying the company without any family members around to criticize or to order me around. It's been fun. It should be fun - it's a holiday, right?

For those of you that have no option but to attend a "family bonding" (or what I like to call family bondage) holiday, here are a few tips to help you get through the day without any in-bred fighting that may occur.

The first rule is to pour yourself a stiff Grey Goose Martini.

1.  Remember that your sister married her guy - and tolerate him and his non-existent humor. In a couple of hours you don't have to think about him again.

2.  They are HER kids, not yours. If you can, just avoid them, but if you have no choice, be pleasant. ACT the part of Good Auntie or Uncle......(Even though you missed their birthdays again this year).

3.  While you're "tolerating" all of this, do it with a smile. (A Grey Goose Martini can assist with that smile).

4.  Be grateful that your mother is around, and tolerate her also. Ok, so she has a bit of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and things have to be done just right. (Again, reach for that Grey Goose Martini).

5.  When family members start to give your Significant Other the big interrogation, step in -  this is one time that interrupting is forgivable. Hey, offer THEM a Grey Goose Martini.

6.  Regardless of how overly seasoned the food is because the Chef prepared every recipe from the Food Channel - act like it's the greatest thing on Earth. (I've also discovered that if you spread it around on your plate alot, it gives the appearance you've eaten it all...ok, this is a trick from pre-school).

7.  Be gracious and say thank you for inviting you. (Maybe smuggle the bottle of Grey Goose if there's any remaining). If you're offered left-overs, decline. They will only rot in your refrigerator, anyway.

8.  Be grateful that Burger King is open 24/7 - even on holidays!

The key word: TOLERANCE. The other key word: GRATITUDE. Be grateful that you have the tolerance to survive a few hours without getting into any bratty moods.

I hope you all have a sense of humor, and will have FUN on your Thanksgiving Holiday!