I can feel it in the air already. That strange, cinnamon-scented cocktail of excitement, stress, and existential dread that only the holidays can summon. It’s like the universe whispers, “Prepare yourself…they’re coming.” And by “they,” I of course mean my family. My loud, loving, dramatic, mismatched-socks-and-opinions family.
So here I am, mentally stretching like an athlete before a marathon I definitely did not sign up for but will participate in anyway because…well, tradition. And guilt. Mostly guilt.
To future me (or future you reader), reading this on Day 3 of The Gathering, when the casserole has burned, someone is yelling about politics, and a cousin has asked invasive questions for the fifth time…here are some key things to remember:
1. You love these people.
You do. Even if you need to repeat that like a mantra. Even if you need to whisper it into your mug like a spell that keeps you from spontaneously combusting.
2. You are not required to fix anyone’s mood, energy, trauma, debate, or questionable life choices.
Let the chaos be free-range. You don’t need to corral it. And you can avoid it by sneaking off to do crossword puzzles, watering your plants, or seeing to your current crochet project.
3. Take breaks.
Walk. Hide in the bathroom. Volunteer to “check on something in the car.” Step outside and stare into the winter void for 45 seconds, it all counts as self-care. Do NOT forget self-care during their visit because IT IS VITAL.
4. Laugh whenever possible.
Especially when things get ridiculous. If someone starts arguing about the proper way to cut pie or brings up that one story from 1998 AGAIN, just imagine it’s a sitcom and you’re the deadpan main character.
5. You can choose peace…even if no one else got that memo.
Peace might look like deep breathing, changing the subject, or chewing very slowly so you don’t say anything you’ll regret. Write it down on the back of a receipt and then toss it in the trash if you really need physical vindication.
6. You’re allowed to enjoy yourself.
Yes, even in all the noise. Even while dodging unsolicited opinions and casserole-based microaggressions. Find the good moments: the laughter, the warmth, the weirdness. That’s the real holiday magic.
7. And finally: You’re going to survive this.
You’ve done it before. You will do it again. And you may even find yourself, at some point, having fun… possibly against your will.
So, dear holiday-season me: breathe, hydrate, and pace yourself. Family might be stressful, but they’re also yours and somehow, miraculously, you fit right in with the madness.
