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How to Handle the Holiday Curveballs

There seems to be something about this time of year that either brings out the best or the worst in people. 

All you want to do is enjoy spending time with loved ones, eat some good food, and celebrate. But the holidays often become the most hectic time of year, interfering with your plans. 

So here’s a list of the not-so-jolly curveballs the holidays throw at you and how to deal.

Holiday Curveball #1: Nosey Relatives

You love your family, and you look forward to catching up with long-lost relatives and seeing how much all the kids have grown. 

But let’s be honest: you also dread the inevitable interrogations. How’s school? Got a boyfriend yet? What are your career plans? Are you seeing anyone? Who did you vote for? How’s the dating scene?

I’ve found that the best way to deal with these questions is offering a short answer and then completely changing the subject. For example, “Oh you’re still single?” is responded to with “Yeah, oh don’t you think the weather has been fantastic?!” 

Holiday Curveball #2:  The Lonely Ex

The holidays can be a lonely time for people with regrets. We’ve all gotten the text with the forlorn “I hope you’re well” and half-hearted smiling emoji. While you know they’re totally baiting you, you still find yourself debating on a response. 

I know you may want to console them or maybe even tell them off, depending on how things ended. But I beg of you, ABORT. Don’t do it because no good can come from either option. 

Buying into their sob story is only going to drag you back into everything you left behind. And while telling them off may make you feel better in the moment, you definitely don’t want to reopen that can of worms. 

Holiday Curveball #3: That One Dish that Nobody Ever Eats

So your aunt makes her ‘amazing holiday fruitcake’ every year. She means well, but it’s hard as a rock and tastes like a ball of lint. 

Honestly, my only advice for this one is to hope someone brings their dog and slip it to them under the table. Although, that’s even assuming the dog will eat it. 

Holiday Curveball #4: Gifting on a Budget 

So it’s time for the gift exchange and your feeling a little…lacking. You picked up a few things for the people you’re closest to, but you feel a little underwhelmed by your choices.

Listen, it’s not about the gifts. Sure, the kids love ’em but your family knows you’re a student on a budget and they’re just glad you’re around. 

If you’re crafty, there’s tons of awesome ideas for DIY gifts, but if that’s not your thing then don’t sweat it. Besides, grandpa will be proud since he thinks this generation is too materialistic anyway.