Top Tips:

1. The holidays are not about you

• The holidays are about being nice to everyone. So, even if someone is not being nice to you, be nice anyway. The season is all about giving and being selfless. It is better to be a kind and loving person rather than the selfish one that just had an outburst. Just remember to be the bigger person and to not let the holidays become about you. After all, they are still family. 

2. Don’t let the family guilt you

• Often, family might guilt you into doing something you really shouldn’t because they use the old trick, “But we’re your guests.” They may be your guests (or you might be theirs), but it isn’t worth burning your house down because they wanted a certain dish you didn’t know how to cook. They’re your family and should be grateful for anything you give them. 

3. Distract yourself

• Do you have a relative that constantly nags you? Instead of listening to them, distract yourself. Go into the kitchen or take a long bath. Do something that relaxes you (and takes a long time) so you can be ready to deal with them later when you’re not as uptight. A freshmen said, “I have to deal with my little cousins. I love them, but they are much younger than me and can push my buttons. To deal with it, I just tell them I have to read or do homework and they usually listen.”

     4. Let things slide

• Say you have a grandma thats always nagging you about something. Instead of letting the words get to you, just let them slide. It may be hard and you may just hit a breaking point. But, if they start talking to you, don’t let the nasty comments hurt. Let them go over your head. And, if you can’t do that, don’t let the comments make you prove something to the relative. Nothing good ever happens when you try to prove yourself for something you don’t like. 

5. Stay positive

• “The moment you think of others your mind widens,” said the Dalai Lama. This quote represents the holiday by explaining how you should think of others. The holidays are an important time of the year to not only think of yourself but also those around you, whether they are family, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. This does not only apply to gifts but also to the way you act. No matter how dreadful or stressful or lonely your holidays are, stay positive and good things will eventually come.