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.