Happiness and Headaches

For all of you who recently celebrated Christmas, or Hanukkah a few weeks back, you know that family time can sometimes be "stress time" as well.  As much as we love our families, there is always a chance this year's gathering can bring headaches as well as happiness.  It just depends on how much you allow them to get to you, and that determines who much you sway to one side. 

I had my new soon to be in-laws over for Christmas Eve, and it was wonderfully surprised to see how well they fit in with the family.  They were warmly welcomed, and they made the effort to engage with those around them.  (Note:  always do that when you're invited somewhere!  Make an effort to mingle.  It takes a lot of pressure of the one who invited you!) And then, about halfway into a few drinks, my uncle sat and treated us all to "stories of old," aka stories about him and the family back when they were much younger, and they were absolutely hysterical.  They were the kind of stories that take a while to tell, but by the end everyone is laughing. 

Christmas day was spent bouncing between families, and it takes practice to not let the simple fact of driving get to you!  I recommend calling a friend on the phone between places or throwing in your favorite CD / iPod to avoid commercials!  When you do bounce, families want to absorb as much time with you as possible because they know you're leaving.  Indulge them.  They do it because they love you.

And now we're on to New Year's Eve!  Hope you have planned accordingly!