The holidays are supposed to be merry and bright, yes? But we all know they're not. We catch colds, get depressed, overeat, and feel pressured to buy awful marked-up presents.A while back, I explained to my family that we shouldn't get each other Christmas presents that year. I reasoned that we would all break even and therefore be able to save money and buy what we liked. My mom coldly refused to talk to me after that. Since this is her usual response to me initiating an idea she doesn't agree with, I didn't think much of it. Therapy has helped a bit.
My point is, the traditions are so fixed that even if you try to escape, peer pressure to maintain the status quo is there to squash you back down like a bug.
Here are some tiny steps, which I have found successful, to relieve some of the holiday blues:
Resolutions.
Make your New Years' Resolutions in November, before Thanksgiving. Since every resolution ever made involves being thinner in some way, mental preparation before the holidays is key. It is a preventative measure against gaining holiday weight, and you beat the January gym rush.
Bad food/Pushed to overeat.
Eat really slow. Tell your mom/grandma/auntie that you already tried the dish that she is pushing on you, that it is so good you couldn't possibly take another bite. If she forces it on you, mush it around in your plate so that it is spread out in a thin layer. Then, scrape into sink/feed to dog/hide in napkin or mashed potatoes.
Dysfunctional parents.
Nod politely. Agree with whatever they say ("Yes, you're right, I should be married/have kids/have a better job/be saving more money/be a better mother/have bought a house by now. Oh, why did I not take your sage advice before??"). Then smile sweetly. Many times, by not defending yourself you will render them stupified. Hopefully, they will soon pass out from intoxication anyway. A little chloral hydrate in their eggnog couldn't hurt either.
The Getaway.
Invent a reason to leave as soon as possible. An in-law's party, work function, or pretend sickness usually will do the trick. Have a friend call you on your cell with a fake emergency. Make sure you return the favor.
I am strangely at peace so far. Wish me luck at mom's tomorrow.
