Wendy Del Monte

It’s amazing to me that something as tiny as this little virus can bring the entire world to a stop. I mean, I knew it could, I had read enough end of the world books to know most of the ways the world could end, but I always thought that those books I read were really just fiction. I didn’t need any last-minute rushes for canned foods or toilet paper, but I did get more pet food and junk food. I made a “sanitation station” in my garage where if you’ve had to be “outside” then you strip down and disinfect before you come into the clean zone.

Whether it’s your family, your in-laws, or distant family that only shows up at the holidays, it’s time to take steps to reclaim your Holiday joy! If you’re wondering how to cope with difficult relatives this holiday season so that you can enjoy this quality time with extended family, then continue reading for some tips to survive the holidays. Learn to redirect the conversation to something that’s less upsetting so that you can be amicable with these difficult relatives, that by the way, won’t change their ways simply to appease you. I hope my tips shared today will inspire you to enjoy every holiday gathering this year with minimal stress and anxiety so that you enjoy your time with these extended family members, regardless of how difficult they may be.

I was overwhelmed, friends and honestly ready to just crawl into bed, pull up the covers and just binge YouTube Videos and make it all go away. I counted my many blessings-  the fact that we had Allstate Motor Club and they towed my car an hour away at no extra cost to me. and I have internet and pets to snuggle, an amazing husband to rub my back and tell me that it’s gonna be ok, and my amazing kids to bring me tea when I’m feeling sorry for myself. I was able to go shopping for a new fridge right away when we decided that it would be cheaper to replace than repair.

He’s also joined a club and of course, it meets on a day he’s not supposed to be in school, so its added in another day of being out of the house for a large part of the day. Money sucks, and even though I’ve picked up some extra work that really helps it’s not always paid on time which stresses me out, it all required a crap ton of time so sleep gets pushed back so that work gets done. We found an awesome dentist for my girl, and she’s learned so much about how to help herself when she’s feeling down. His music is getting quite a bit of air time which is amazing and he’s waiting on delivery of some vinyl 45’s that has been a lifelong dream of his.