The holiday season is upon us! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or something different, we can all admit that while there are some things to love about the holidays, they can also be very tough times. Between extra spending, working and family time (we love you, family, but…), surviving the holidays can take some serious skills. Luckily for you, we’ve gathered the top tips to help you make it to January 1.

iSucceed Virtual High School’s Guide to Surviving the Holidays 

Tip #1: Grin and Bear it. 

Will there be way too many UGG boots and horrible ugly sweaters? Yes. A bombardment of holiday song remakes and impatient shoppers in every store? Absolutely. The best solution? Smile! It will make you and everyone around you feel happier and more relaxed.

Tip#2: Let Grandma be cool. 

If your grandma, uncle or aunt is just now trying out the Mannequin Challenge, don’t crush their dreams. It’s best to let them feel cool to show your love for them.

Tip #3: Embrace your weird family!

If we had to guess, your family has some quirks. But just remember, the fact that you have a family is something to be grateful for. So go ahead and embrace their weirdness, even if they embarrass you.

Tip #4: Don’t feed it to the dog.

If your aunt likes to bring her “famous casserole” that resembles some sort of blob monster, don’t make the dog suffer. Try spreading it around your plate to make it look like you ate more than you really did, and no matter what, tell her it tastes great!

Tip #5: For When You Have to Work, Try Pie in a jar

Here’s one recipe to try out.

Tip #6: Don’t try to look fashionable. Stay warm. 

Idaho is cold, and there’s no escaping it. So double, triple layer and do what it takes to feel comfortable and warm, even if it means sacrificing fashionable clothes. Flip flops and snow just don’t mix.

Tip #7: When at a family gathering,  avoid trendy clothes

Family member: “Oh no, you’ve got holes in your jeans again? Let me fix them.”

Tip #8: Use a gift bag

After your hundredth-some present, wrapping isn’t so fun anymore. Our tip: use gift bags.

Tip #9: And hand make gifts whenever possible!

For simple, fun and affordable ugly sweater, check out this blog post from us.

Tip #10:  Try hosting a White Elephant potluck. 

A White Elephant gift exchange is a blast, and a great way to get together with family or friends on a without spending too much. Check out some fun variations and rules of the game here.

Tip #11: Take that extra 30 seconds to let your hot cocoa cool

We know it’s hard, but you only have to wait a few more seconds. Your tongue will thank you.

Tip #12: That edible work of art probably doesn’t taste as good as it looks.

Festive sugar cookie: beautiful, but impossible to bite into.

Tip #13: A family member (or two…or 10) will let you know you’ve grown. Just smile and nod.

Uncle Buster: “My, look how much you’ve grown!!”

Tip #14: Have a list of answered questions ready.

How is school? What is your favorite subject? What college are you going to after you graduate? Have all those answers ready to go!

Tip #15: If you’re single, be prepared to answer why.

Here’s an answer for our iSucceed students: Because I’m busy earning good grades in school!

Tip #16: Just remember, pie won’t judge you.

Pie is your friend.

Tip #17: Mistletoe is best avoided.

You never know where that person standing under the mistletoe has been.

Tip #18: Make sure your phone is on silent.

Of course, off is most polite during celebrations with family and friends. But silent works.

Tip #19: When you can’t take anymore, hoodies and long hair hide earphones well.

This is a last resort.

Tip #20: Your brain will want you to procrastinate schoolwork. Don’t give in.

A note to our iSucceed students: The last thing you’ll want to be doing when parties roll around is homework. Get your work done as early as you can so you don’t fall behind.

Tip #21: For the days you just can’t get out of bed, don’t. Stay right there and do some schoolwork.

That’s the beauty of online school. As long as you work hard, you are more than welcome to stay comfy in your bed while you study.