The holiday season is now in full swing as we grow closer to the final weeks of December, during which noticeable patterns always emerge. As if by tradition, there are certain things or occurrences always seem to make an appearance during the holiday season, some of which may be the following:

1. Struggling to find a White Elephant or Secret Santa gift in the allotted budget.

Although group gift-exchanges can be quite a bit of fun, they can also be quite stressful – especially when you have been given a price cap that is lower than average. The only thing that is more difficult than finding a good gift for one of your co-workers or friends is trying finding one under $5.

2. Ordering a gift online only to have it arrive late.

Online shopping is so easy and convenient, except when the shipping takes too long or the product is out of stock. This can often result in giving the recipient of this late gift a picture of the gift that is to come.

3. A Hickory Farms gift box.

Everyone has that one family member that sends the box of meats and cheeses for the holidays year after year. Apparently, nothing says “Happy Holidays” quite like small jars of mustard and spicy cheeses.

4. Receiving something that was obviously either being re-gifted or was simply lying around someone else’s house.

Whether the your friend or relative simply had no time to get a gift or they were just trying to de-clutter their home, it can sometimes be pretty easy to spot a gift that was not recently purchased, or even purchased at all.

5. Awkward Family Reunions.

The holiday season often brings about family gatherings, allowing you to reconnect with family members you haven’t seen in quite a while. This often leads having to answer the same questions multiple times, such as how school is going, what your plans are for the future and whether or not you have been dating anyone.

6. Arguments about current events with the family.

This is especially true during the holiday seasons that come on the heels of elections or the passage of major pieces of legislation. Whether you happen to be the one family member with an opposing political view or you tend to distance yourself from the disagreements and debates, the occurrences of these arguments and debates can get pretty uncomfortable, awkward or even frustrating.

7. Last minute runs to the store because you forgot something – as always.

Whether you completely forgot to but a gift for a family member, or you simply need more cream for your eggnog, these last minute errands always tend to be stressful. Fighting the crowds to pick through what few products are left at the store is never a pleasurable experience, especially when doing so at a mall, big box store or warehouse club store; the excessive crowds of desperate shoppers alone are enough to pull you out of the spirit of the holidays.

8. That one tradition that isn’t actually enjoyable but is continued anyway.

Whether that tradition includes an awful holiday special, some terrible holiday music, ugly or uncomfortable garments, or food that tastes terrible, there are some traditions that are carried on because solely because they have been a tradition. Sometimes, the unpleasant becomes pleasant thanks to the spirit of tradition.