Yuletide season is here. You can already feel the Christmas vibe and what better way to spend this momentous occasion than with your family and loved ones. Of course, we also have to celebrate it with our in-laws. And admit or not, it can sometimes be a stressful episode especially if your in-laws are always breathing down your neck. You need to survive the holidays without losing your cool. We’ve come up with these survival tips for Christmas will leave you in the clear with even the most difficult in-laws! Read on and find out more about it.

How to Survive Christmas Dinner With Your In-Laws

Bright lights, whirring holiday hymns, busy street and malls, family traditions and mixed emotions –you’re right it’s Christmas. It’s a time of joy, love, laughter and family. But for many of us, it can also be a stressful time– especially when dealing with in-laws. Of course, we love them, but there’s no denying that our in-laws can be a stressful addition to our holiday celebrations particularly if they’re a pain in the rear.

Whether it’s talking politics or asking when they’re going to get a grandchild, everyone’s in-laws have their habits that drive them absolutely nuts. You absolutely need to control your temper to save this lovely occasion from turning into the worst family dinner that will eventually haunt you like the ghost of Christmas past. So here are a few tips to help you survive Christmas dinner with your in-laws.

1. Offer to help

If your in-laws are hosting, be sure to make yourself useful in the Christmas dinner preparation and clean-up. Your mother-in-law might seem annoying just because she’s stressed. Easing the burden on her will make the day easier for you too. Offer whatever help you can give and it will surely lighten the feeling of uneasiness.

2. Mind your manners

“Please” and “thank you” are easy and go a long way. Being polite also sets a great example for your kids. Good manners should always be shown at all times and regardless of how your in-laws treat you. After all, they are still the parents of your better half.

3. Share your spouse

Don’t get jealous or clingy if your spouse spends more time talking to their parents and siblings than with you. Remember, you get every day with your spouse; he or she might only see his or her family a few times a year. You don’t need to be selfish and keep your spouse by your side all the time. So let them catch up with each other. Give them time and privacy to talk. It’s their family anyways so there’s no need to guard them like they’re Fort Knox.

4. Participate

Look through your mother-in-law’s photo albums. Laugh at your father-in-law’s jokes and also share some of yours to lighten every conversation. Make yourself a part of the family, and you’ll be surprised what a good time you can have. Participate if there’s a family activity and communicate with them, for communication can save struggling relationships.

5. Take a break

The holidays can be overwhelming and exhausting, and by the end of it, you may be starved for alone time. Don’t feel bad if you need to sneak away for a quick walk or a nap after dinner. It will recharge your batteries and put you into better spirits because stress can ruin this special occasion.

Watch this video for more Christmas safety tips for you and your family!

Our characters can be determined by how we handle the circumstances we encounter. And some of us turned into an Ebenezer Scrooge and despises Christmas whenever we are off to our in-laws to spend the holidays with them. But you can always turn that thing around and have a wonderful time with them. Maintain your cool if ever you’re in an unpleasant situation with your in-laws. Give them respect for they are the parents of your spouse. Walk away if you’re about to be engaged in a heated debate with them and do not make the situation worst by adding insult to the injury. When shots are fired in form of words it will only make your wounded relationship bleed even more. Let us be reminded that Christmas is about giving and sharing not only gifts but also love for each other. Follow these simple tips and maybe this time Christmas dinner with your in-laws will be even better and strengthen your relationship with them. Have a blessed Christmas y’all!

Looking for tips on how to survive Christmas eve with excited kids? Click here!

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on December 20, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.