Teen Dreads Holiday Gatherings by Cherie Bennett on Creators.com

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Teen Dreads Holiday Gatherings

Hey, Cherie!

I am about to turn 16, and my family drives me absolutely crazy. Whenever we have to get together for these stupid holiday things, I am just miserable. My dumb little cousins, my annoying as you-know-what great aunts, my grandmother's creepy boyfriend? Pass!!! And my parent's are hosting this year's Christmas party, which means I have to be here.

I can't hide in my room or hang out with my friends. The only good thing is that I can at least invite my friends over here. So far only one has said she will drop by, probably because she hasn't heard me complain that much about it. At least there will be presents. But if I have to get my cheeks squeezed one more time, I might just lose it. And forget about my parents annoying friends who think everything I say is so cute, that I am so pretty and that I've grown up so much. They always ask me how is school and what college to do I want to go to and on and on and on. Yeah, that's how I want to spend a Saturday night. So please, Cherie! How do I get through it? Or get out of it?

—Humbug, Bah!

Hey, Humbug!

Happy Holidays!!! Yeah, that's a joke. I understand that having to hang with the family for endless hours — on end — can get really boring when there is a lot more stuff you would enjoy doing, like avoiding the whole thing! This time of year does bring up things that you don't have to deal with all the rest of the year.

So look at it this way, it's only one day a year and you get a chance to earn a bunch of brownie points. Obviously, I am having avoidance issues myself! I know you don't want to hear this. Oh, wait. Forget it. I won't tell you then. Just remember, there will be gifts!!! And someday, when you're much older, you may enjoy seeing everybody once a year. That's the part I wasn't gonna say.

Hey, Cherie!

My grandmother gave me this disgustingly ugly sweater she expects me to wear in our family picture this year. There is no way I will add this ugly, ugly, ugly sweater to my family memories. If I have to look at myself with this on, I might just puke. Yeah, it's that bad. I am not kidding either. How can I get out of this?

—Fashion Roadkill

Hey, Fashion!

I feel for you! There has to be some sort of fashion police that should stop this! If you are very persuasive, maybe you can change your grandmother's mind about this fashion disaster. And have a great alternate outfit to show her instead. If not, you will have a great story and an even better sweater to wear to all the ugly sweater parties you will be invited to!

Cherie Bennett is a best-selling author of books for teens and young adults. Visit her website at www.cheriebennett.com. To find out more about Cherie Bennett and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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LW#1:
Can't offer you much advice on getting out of the party, but I can give you ideas on how to handle three of the situations you mentioned.

1) If anyone squeezes or pinches your cheeks, feel free to speak up really loudly and make a sceen about how much it hurt. It might sound extreem, but it will get the point across. You should not have to accept people doing something that is uncomfortable, or even painful. Your parents wouldn't expect you to accept this from a stranger, why should you have to accept this from someone just because it's family.

2) When they ask you about what your plans for the future are and what collage you plan to attend just tell them "With the way the economy is right now I don't believe I'll be able to afford collage with out some form of aid. I've decided that my best bet is to inlist in the military. I'm leaning towards the Marines, but might concider another branch after more research. What would you recomend?" Then sit back and let them talk. You never know, you might learn something new and cool about that person and if they are aginst military service for some reason, then they might back off. If nothing else it might lead the adults into a realy wicked argument about the pro's' and con's of the military and then you will get free entertainment :)

3) If Grandma's creepy boyfrined does something to make you uncomfortable, call him out on it. People like that rely on their victimes not wanting to make a scene. As I said in #1, You should not have to accept people doing something that is uncomfortable, or even painful. Your parents wouldn't expect you to accept this from a stranger, why should you have to accept this from someone just because it's family.

Good luck and I hope you have a decent time at the gathering this year.

Comment: #1
Posted by: Michelle Keane
Thu Dec 22, 2011 10:42 AM

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LW#2:
Wash it in hot water and then leave it in the dryer for a couple if hours on really high heat. Hopefully it's not shrink proof. Then tell Grandma, with tears in your eyes, that you just wanted it be nice and clean and shiny for the picture.

Comment: #2
Posted by: Michelle Keane
Thu Dec 22, 2011 10:46 AM

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Oh! I do hope that sweater shrinks!

Comment: #3
Posted by: Darcie
Sun Dec 25, 2011 5:58 AM

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Find one relative who seems to be a nice person, and make a point to make friends--even if they are way older or younger than you are. Find out exactly how they are related to you, and try to get some family stories. I once found out, at a large family gathering, that the wife of my dad's cousin at one time dated the father of a guy I had dated at college. If someone comes up with their pinching fingers out, put your hands up near your face and say, I'll make a deal with you--don't pinch my cheeks, and I'll listen to you tell the best family story you know. And look around for cute cousins, or a little kid that looks like the need someone to play with. If your family is anything like mine, you just might find someone worth hanging out with.

Comment: #4
Posted by: partsmom
Thu Jan 5, 2012 12:03 AM

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Comment: #5
Posted by: partsmom
Thu Jan 5, 2012 12:03 AM

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Hey, Cherie! by Cherie Bennett

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Teen Dreads Holiday Gatherings

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