It’s Christmas time! And we all know what that means right? Big family dinners, lots of get-togethers with of course, you know, THAT family member.

We all have at least one….you know that uncle who never contributes anything but eats more than anyone. Or the aunt who keeps giving you the worst-smelling deodorant. Or the cousin who’s always bragging about how awesome their life is. Or the brother who always vocalizes his political insight without regard to how others see things. The list can go on and on. The point is, we all have THAT family member that drives us crazy, annoys us and maybe even offends us.

They say you can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family so it looks like we are all facing the inevitable this Christmas season….so how do you deal with THAT family member?

  1. Don’t take it personally – sure this is easier said than done, but it may be the only key to your sanity! I often find that people aren’t necessarily directing comments at you, just around you. Don’t take the bait. Nothing will deflate them quicker than a non-reaction to their inappropriate comment.
  2. Look for the good in them – after all, they are your family. Try and find something that you admire about them or something you may have in common with them. And just try and talk about that!

At the end of it all, it’s just a couple of hours out of your day that you need to spend with them and you will survive! Look for ways to be interested in your other family members and love them.

Whenever I am at a trying family function, I always remind myself of the people who are no longer with us. It kinda puts things into perspective and encourages me to spend time with my family while I have the chance.

After all, life is short and none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. Despite all our family’s shortcomings, remember, they are the first people who loved you and most likely will be the last ones standing with you.

So pour yourself another drink and go talk to Aunt Gladys in the corner who keeps telling you the same story over and over. You may just make her Christmas!

No matter what challenges we face in our own families, there is one person who always accepts you and loves you for who you are, just as who are. His name is Jesus Christ and He is inviting you into His family and into a real relationship with Him. If you would like to know more about this incredible love, click on the pop-up or link below.