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That’s right! Christmas is finally here.

Time to head back home and gather up the family to eat, drink and be merry – extra stress on the drinking. Sure, Christmas is arguably the most highly anticipated day of the year; what can we say, we’re suckers for home cooked meals and if there are gifts involved – we’re in! But Christmas day can also be stressful.

There will be arguments, rude comments will be made at your expense, and no one is spared in the embarrassment department once grandma gets a few drinks in her and starts traveling down memory lane. But hey, they’re your family and you love them – even if they are all slightly out of their minds.

Because we know your struggle all too well, we’ve created a guide to surviving Christmas with your family.

Take a deep breath, grab yourself an Olivia Pope-sized glass of wine, and read along. We’ll get you through this!

Check it out.

Christmas Day is perhaps the greatest holiday out there…

Who could complain about a full day of food…

…”casual” drinking…

…and hello, GIFTS!

Sure, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year…

…But it’s not all holiday cheer and good will towards men. Honestly, there’s a lot to hate about the Christmas season…

…Like spending weeks prior searching high and low for the perfect gift…

…which doesn’t do your bank account any favors.

Dealing with mobs of crazed Christmas shoppers…

…Or hoards of Christmas-hat-wearing-tourists.

The constant barrage of Christmas music…

…though even we have to admit, that ish is catchy!

…and unbearable weather…

It’s enough to make even the happiest person a little bit of a Grinch.

On top of all that, come Christmas Eve, you’re expected to trek back to your hometown…

…and spend the next 48 hours with your entire crazy family.

But remember, the universe doesn’t hand you anything you can’t handle…

…you will get through this.

You could opt out…

…but trust us, your parents know your excuse is a total lie.

So before you head into battle, be prepared…

…and if you’re bringing a guest, give them the low-down, too.

The last thing you want is for your crazy cousin twice removed to scare off Mr. Right.

There’s nothing fun about that yearly midnight mass…

…but it makes your Grandma happy, so suck it up and stay awake…

…and no, now is not the time to share your newfound appreciation for Atheism.

There will be a plethora of children everywhere…

…play nice…

…and don’t you dare ruin Santa Claus for your younger family members…

Treat each and every gift like it’s exactly what you wanted…

…Yes, even that ugly skirt your aunt got you…

…and that hideous sweater, too.

Know that you will be asked when you’re getting married and starting a family…

…when you’re getting a better job…

…or why you couldn’t have been as successful as your 19-year-old brother who has his PhD.

Steer clear of the heavy topics…

…and do your best to ignore the subtle digs.

No matter how under seasoned, over done or just plain disgusting Christmas dinner is…

…eat it like it’s your last meal on this earth…

…and maybe even go back for seconds…

Because hell hath no fury like a chef scorned…

Your family will seemingly do everything in their power to piss you off…

…and hit you where it hurts…

Stay cool!

Take advantage of the abundance of booze…

…and have a drink or two and for the love of god, don’t be picky…

Glue yourself to the TV. You’ve got one of two options: The annual A Christmas Story marathon…

…or the basketball game.

Both suck, we know, but it beats explaining yet again that, despite spending four years in college and earning a degree, you still don’t have a job.

Most importantly, no matter how much you want to scream…

…keep a smile on your face and keep the Christmas cheer flown’.

And remember, New Year’s Eve is just around the corner…

…Just be sure you’ve got a date lined up!

SOURCE: Giphy