Hey babes,
As I mentioned yesterday, there will most likely be no
videos while I’m home as I forgot my camera. There may still be some type of
vlog posted, but other than that I’ll be taking this time to spend with my
family. I feel like this year has been an overwhelmingly loving one among my
relatives and I’m trying my best to hold onto that. However, from your tumblr
messages and YouTube comments, I’ve realized how fortunate I am to have such a
connection.
This brings me to the topic of this post: How to Survive the
Holidays with a Difficult Family. I’m going to be posting my few methods that I
used to use when uncomfortable, but for the most part I want you all to write
in the comments about ways that you deal. Your contributions can then be read
by other moosies and maybe it’ll help someone else out. Sharing experiences is
so important, you know? Without further ado, here is my (sparse) list of
dealing with some crappy circumstances.
·
Find a place to retreat to
o Whether
it is going to your room or taking a walk, allow yourself a break from all of
the ignorant comments and judgmental silence we all know so well.
·
Do something for yourself
o This
one goes out to the siblings playing mom for the tiny humans. Be a little
selfish! You want that candy bar at the gas station? Buy it. You need to take a
nap? Do it. The thing is, there is absolutely nothing wrong with putting
yourself first for the sake of your emotional health and overall sanity.
·
Call out unacceptable behavior
o Assuming
that your grandparents are set in their ways and beyond learning new things is
ridiculous. If Grandpa gets racist or if Grandma’s homophobic slurs are
becoming too much, tell them that isn’t cool. You don’t need to get into some
political argument, just remind them that the holidays are about being together
and hating on group of people isn’t worth doing.
·
Choosing your battles
o This
is a finicky one, but if you feel like speaking up about a homophobic comment
will open the door to a bunch of questions you aren’t ready to answer, simply
don’t react to what they’re saying. Not responding in ANY way will, more often
than not, weaken the behavior (think reinforcement).
·
Educate yourself
o If
you do plan to participate in the moral Olympics, might I suggest doing some
research on whatever it is you plan on correcting them on J
There’s my list! Please please PLEASE contribute in the
comments, because who knows! Someone may be reading your shared stories and
realize someone else is going through the same things as them. I can’t wait to
hear from you all.
Thanks for being perfect,
C
