Going home for the holidays is a lovely time for being thankful, giving, and spending time with the people you love. For some, it is family members coming home from all over once a year in a joyous reunions. But for others, it is all the family members you either see too much already, cannot stand, or both, that you have to tolerate for a week each month of this glorious season. Luckily for me, I get a little bit of both of those. Here’s how to survive the dreadful, but lovely, holidays with your one-of-a-kind relatives.

1. Be prepared for bombarding “distant aunt” questions.

Come up with and rehearse generic responses to the following questions:

-“So how’s school going? What are you going for again?” (They will never remember, but they send you a birthday card every year, so be nice)

-“Any cute boys you're seeing?”

-“How come you never call?”

Don’t give your powerless inner-self the chance to get embarrassed. Practice!

2. Avoid that one relative who is way too passionate about politics, in a bad way.

Socialize with the people always on the opposite side of the room to avoid striking a rambling discussion (argument) or rant of some sort. She or he is the one who everyone unfriends on Facebook at some point or another.

3. Stick with the funny, cool uncle.

I promise that he will make the festivities a lot more bearable; usually with pranks on defenseless, old Uncle Mike. It’s alright, he won’t remember this tomorrow, anyway.

4. Steer clear of the mean, overly-conservative great aunt, grandmother, or the old lady who is just always around this time of year.

She is the one who will judge you for wearing leggings on Christmas Eve, and then shoot you dirty looks from across the table the entire night. No fun.

5. Embrace the very loving grandma who loves to squeeze the life out of her grandkids along with a giant lipstick smooch.

It is best to get the greeting over with early so you have time to sneak off to the bathroom and clean the red off your cheek without notice. But yes, enjoy that $20 she gave you for no reason.

6. If necessary, eat at the kids’ table.

Nothing wrong with taking shelter with the messy two-year olds and the “too cool” tweens. You might even get your plate served to you, too. What a deal.

7. Be smart when you're approached by that one relative who’s name you always forget.

This is probably the most awkward situation to be in, but remain calm and play it cool. Follow your strange, automatic “Hey…” with a quick and casual “How are you?” or “Glad to see you!” Then you can run away. Works every time, and you still don’t have to remember their name.

Sure the holidays can be stressful, but take this time to hold that new baby nephew and stuff yourself full of food. After all, your great aunt will not take no for an answer. You will eat her casserole. Good luck to all the fellow college students heading home this season.