How To Have a Stress-Free Family Christmas

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video.

Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from CinemaSlam and more videos in the Christmas category.

You can contribute too! Create your own DIY guide at http://www.howcast.com/videos/new or produce your own Howcast spots with the Howcast Filmmakers Program at http://www.howcast.com/filmmakers/apply.

A quarter of us say surviving Christmas is more stressful than getting married—but it doesn't have to be that way!

To complete this How-To you will need:

Patience
An ability to keep your mouth shut
Pen and paper
A telephone

Step 1: Book a hotel

Book a room. Nothing adds to family tension more than staying in the same cramped quarters with no escape from each other. If you're the one hosting Christmas, suggest some nearby hotels; they'll get the hint.

Step 2: Lower expectations

Lower your expectations. While we'd all like Christmas to be like an episode of The Waltons, it usually ends up like The Simpsons, so don't get depressed if things don't go as planned.

Step 3: Ask what people want to do

Ask people want they'd like to see, do, and eat while you're together. Maybe deep down everyone would prefer Italian food, a potluck buffet, or even dinner out rather than the labor-intensive traditional Christmas meal.

Step 4: Address your pet peeves

List everything that drives you crazy about Christmas: the endless gift buying? All-day cooking? Lazy relatives? This year, make changes: Get everyone a gift card, order in your side dishes, assign specific tasks to your guests.

Tip: To make gift buying even easier, get all your gift cards at your local drugstore. Many carry cards for national restaurant chains, stores, and even spas!

Step 5: Schedule breaks

Schedule breaks from your family. Give yourself a breather by going out alone or with friends. Just make sure your family knows your plans ahead of time, so they won't take it personally when you leave.

Step 6: Keep a two-drink maximum

Keep a two-drink maximum. A drink or two may make dealing with your family easier; any more will make it harder—and possibly prompt you to say something that'll keep tensions high for many Christmases to come!

Thanks for watching How To Have a Stress-Free Family Christmas! If you enjoyed this video subscribe to the Howcast YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=howcast

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• HomeFamily
• stress
• free
• christmas
• family
• holidays
• holiday
• celebration

[bks1366]

See "how to avoid washing the dishes" video for more help.

[mewichigothe1st]

I like this!

[danie1177]

why did i see a child drinking

[BulletproofCupid]

I thought it said.. how to have a family free christmas.. O_o

[TheTribes44]

Step 1 : Kill Children

Done.

[thelovelyleaf]

ugh I wish the holidays were over my parents argue every christmas.

[lilguy49]

optional: a bag of that oregano-like illegal stuff

[BubbleMouse101]

all this guilt :( :( :(

[computerzrul1997]

@ 0:19, is it just me or did I see Charlie Brown on the computer?

[TheLarssan]

I like the keyboard.

[tubesteakbooky]

all this gift giving guilt,I hate it!

[Banjobabes]

christmas? already?